BIOGRAPHTof  GOSPEL 
SONG  and  HYMN  VPITER5 


J.H.HALL 


FROM   THE   LIBRARY  OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.   D.  D, 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE    LIBRARY   OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Division         ^^^ 
Section  lO'^^O 


Biography   of  Gospel  Song  and 
Hymn  Writers 


Biography  of  Gospel  S< 
and  Hymn  Writers 


A. 


By 
J.    H.   HALL 


FULLY  ILLUSTRA TED 


New    York  Chicago  Toronto 

Fleming      H.     Revell     Company 

London  and  Edinburgh 


^:r.,Lpr, 


Copyright,    19M,  by 
FLEMING   H.    REVELL  COMPANY 


New  York:  n^S  Fifth  Avenue 
Chicago:  125  North  Wabash  Ave. 
Toronto:  25  Richmond  Street,  W. 
London:  21  Paternoster  Square 
Edinburgh:       100    Princes    Street 


To 
all  gospel  song  and  hymii  writers  ;  to 
all  smgers  and  lovers  of  gospel  song  ; 
this    book    of  biography    is    with  ap- 
preciation   dedicated    by    the    aiitJwr 


To  hide  true  worth  from  public  view. 
Is  burying  diamonds  in  their  mine. 
All  is  not  gold  that  shines,  'tis  true  ; 
But  all  that  is  gold  ought  to  shine. 

— Bishop. 


Prefj 


ace 


WHILE  books  of  biograph}^  of  men  and 
women  in  different  vocations  of  life  are 
numerous,  including  not  a  few  biographical 
volumes  of  the  old  Master  Musicians,  the  present 
volume  is,  so  far  as  the  author  is  aware,  the  first  dis- 
tinctive book  of  biography  to  be  published  of  the  men 
and  women  whose  gospel  songs  and  hymns  have 
thrilled  the  hearts  of  innumerable  hosts,  and  kindled 
the  fire  of  the  great  evangelistic  movement  all  over  the 
world. 

The  author  found  that  to  insert  all  the  worthy  names 
of  gospel  song  and  hymn  writers  in  a  single  volume 
would  make  it  too  bulky  ;  it  is  hoped  it  may  be  possible 
to  follow  this  work  with  a  second  volume.  Beginning 
with  Dr.  Lowell  Mason,  the  writer  has  endeavored  to 
give  a  sketch  and  portrait  of  leading  representatives  of 
gospel  song  and  hymn  writers  up  to  the  present  time. 
It  is  but  natural  that  people  should  wish  to  know 
something  of  the  lives,  and  be  pleased  to  see  the  por- 
traits of  the  composers  whose  songs  and  hymns  have 
brought  joy,  peace  and  comfort  to  their  hearts.  It  is 
confidently  anticipated  that  the  reading  of  these  brief 
sketches  will  add  new  life  and  power  to  the  gospel  in 
song. 

The  author  feels  that  in  a  measure  "Mr.  J.  IL  Fill- 
more has  made  this  volume  of  biography  possible, 
by  granting  permission  to  use  a  number  of  sketches 

11 


12  PREFACE 

published  in  The  Musical  Messenger,  issued  by  the 
Fillmore  Bros.,  Cincinnati,  O.,  and  to  whom  he  offers  his 
most  sincere  appreciation.  Credit  is  due  the  Musical 
Million  for  the  sketch  of  the  author.  He  also  wishes 
to  thank  all  who  in  any  way  assisted  in  securing  data, 
etc.,  in  the  preparation  of  these  sketches.  Such  a  work 
required  labor  and  patience,  but  if  these  sketches  give 
interest  and  pleasure,  and  a  higher  conception  and  ap- 
preciation of  the  beauty  and  power  in  gospel  song,  the 
author  will  feel  abundantly  rewarded. 

J.  H.  H. 
Dayton,  Va. 


Contents 


I.  Dr.  Lowell  Mason 

II.  William  B.  Bradbury 

III.  Dr.  George  F.  Root 

IV.  Miss  Fanny  J.  Crosby     . 

V.  Dr.  L.  O.  Emerson 

VI.  Rev.  W.  O.  Gushing 

VII.  Mrs.  Harriet  E.  Jones  . 

VIII.  T.  G.  O'Kane 

IX.  Theodore  E.  Perkins 

X.  Rev.  Robert  Lowry,  D.  D. 

XI.  Dr.  W.  H.  Doane  . 
Xlt.  Dr.  H.  S.  Perkins  . 

XIII.  Dr.  H.  R.  Palmer  . 

XIV.  L.  G.  AND  Dr.  a.  B.  Everett 

XV.  Dr.  R.  M.  McIntosh 

XVI.  H.  R.  Ghristie 

XVII.  Rev.  Isaiah  Baltzell     . 

XVIII.  Philip  Phillips 

XIX.  T.  Martin  Towne  . 

XX.  William  G.  Fischer 

XXI.  Theodore  Frelinghuysen  Seward 

XXII.  H.  P.  Main      . 

XXIII.  John  R.  Sweney 

XXIV.  Wm.  J.  Kirkpatrick 

XXV.  Rev.  Elisha  A.  Hoffman 

XXVI.  Frank  M.  Davls 

XXVII.  E.  R.  Latta    . 

13 


14 

CONTENTS 

XXVIII. 

P.  P.  Bliss         ... 

XXIX. 

Major  D.  W.  Whittle      . 

XXX. 

James  McGranahan  . 

XXXI. 

Ira  D.  Sankey  .         .         .         . 

XXXII. 

George  Coles  Stebbins 

XXXIII. 

James  R.  Murray 

XXXIV. 

C.  C.  Case          .         .         .         . 

XXXV. 

J.  H.  Tenney      .         .         .         . 

XXXVI. 

Aldine  S.  Kieffer    . 

XXXVII. 

J.   H.   KURZENKNABE     . 

XXXVIII. 

W.  A.  Ogden     .         .         .         . 

XXXIX. 

B.  C.  Unseld      .         .         .         . 

XL. 

J.   H.   ROSECRANS 

XLI. 

Will  L.  Thompson    . 

XLII. 

E.  E.  Rexford  .         .         .         . 

XLIII. 

George  C.  Hugg 

XLIV. 

W.  T.  Giffe       .         .         .         . 

XLV. 

J.  H.  Fillmore. 

XLVI. 

Fred.  A.  Fillmore    . 

XLVII. 

Rev.  Charles  M.  Fillmore 

XLVIII. 

Mrs.  E.  L.  Ashford 

XLIX. 

Dr.  D.  Brink  Towner 

L. 

E.  O.  EXCELL       .           .            .           . 

LI. 

Mrs.  Flora  H.  Cassel 

LII. 

Dr.  J.  B.  Herbert     . 

LIII. 

Mrs.  Laura  E.  Newell     . 

LIV. 

E.  S.  Lorenz      .         .         .         . 

LV. 

H.  H.  McGranahan  . 

LVI. 

J.  H.  Hall         .         .         .         . 

LVII. 

Geo.  F.  Rose  he 

LVIII. 

Chas.  Edw.  Prior 

LIX. 

Miss  E.  E.  Hewitt    . 

LX. 

Charles  H.  Gabriel 

CONTENTS 

15 

LXI. 

Rev.  Johnson  Oatman,  Jr.        .         -355 

LXII. 

A.  J.  Show  ALTER 

361 

LXIII. 

Geo.  B.  Holsinger     . 

365 

LXIV. 

Mrs.  Carrie  B.  Adams 

369 

LXV. 

Miss  Jennie  Wilson  . 

373 

LXVI. 

H.  N.  Lincoln  . 

377 

LXVII. 

Charlie  D.  Tillman 

381 

LXVIIl. 

Miss  Ida  L.  Reed 

385 

LXIX. 

J.  Lincoln  Hall 

389 

LXX. 

J.  S.  Fearis 

393 

LXXL 

W.  E.  M.  Hackleman 

.     397 

LXXII. 

Grant  C.  Tullar 

.     401 

LXXIII. 

L  H.  Meredith 

■     405 

LXXIV. 

L  Allan  Sankey 

.     409 

LXXV. 

Ira  B.  Wilson  . 

.     413 

LXXVI. 

Robert  Harkness      . 

.     417 

I 
Dr.  Lowell  Mason 

DK.  LOWELL  MASON  (the  degree  was  con- 
ferred by  the  University  of  New  York)  is 
justly  called  the  father  of  American  church 
music ;  and  by  his  labors  were  founded  the  germi- 
nating principles  of  national  musical  intelligence  and 
knowledge,  which  afforded  a  soil  upon  which  all  higher 
musical  culture  has  been  founded.  To  him  w^e  owe 
some  of  our  best  ideas  in  religious  church  music,  ele- 
mentary musical  education,  music  in  the  schools,  the 
popularization  of  classical  chorus  singing,  and  the  art 
of  teaching  music  upon  the  Inductive  or  Pestalozzian 
plan.  More  than  that,  we  owe  him  no  small  share  of 
the  respect  which  the  profession  of  music  enjoys  at  the 
present  time  as  contrasted  w^ith  the  contempt  in  which 
it  was  held  a  century  or  more  ago.  In  fact,  the  entire 
art  of  music,  as  now  understood  and  practiced  in 
America,  has  derived  advantage  from  the  w^ork  of  this 
great  man. 

Lowell  Mason  was  born  in  Medfield,  Mass.,  January 
8,  1792.  From  childhood  he  had  manifested  an  intense 
love  for  music,  and  had  devoted  all  his  spare  time  and 
effort  to  improving  himself  according  to  such  oppor- 
tunities as  .were  available  to  him.  At  the  age  of 
twenty  he  found  himself  filling  a  clerkship  in  a  bank- 
ing house  in  Savannah,  Ga.  Here  he  lost  no  oppor- 
tunity of  gratifying  his  passion  for  musical  advance- 

17 


18      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITEKS 

ment,  and  was  fortunate  to  meet  for  the  first  time  a 
tliorougliij  qualified  instructor,  in  tlie  person  of  F.  L. 
Abel.  Applying  his  spare  hours  assiduouslj^  to  the 
cultivation  of  the  pursuit  to  which  his  passion  inclined 
him,  he  soon  acquired  a  proficiency  that  enabled  him  to 
enter  the  field  of  original  composition,  and  his  first 
work  of  this  kind  was  embodied  in  the  compilation  of 
a  collection  of  church  music,  which  contained  many  of 
his  own  compositions.  The  manuscript  was  offered 
unavailingly  to  publishers  in  Philadelphia  and  in  Bos- 
ton. Fortunately  for  our  musical  advancement  it  finally 
secured  the  attention  of  the  Boston  Handel  and  Haydn 
Society,  and  by  its  committee  was  submitted  to  Dr.  G.  K. 
Jackson,  the  severest  critic  in  Boston.  Dr.  Jackson 
approved  most  heartily  of  the  work,  and  added  a  few 
of  his  own  compositions  to  it.  Thus  enlarged,  it  was 
finally  published  in  1822  as  The  Handel  and  Haydn 
Society  Collection  of  Church  Music.  Mason's  name 
was  omitted  from  the  publication  at  his  own  request, 
which  he  thus  explains  : — 

"  I  was  then  a  bank  officer  in  Savannah,  and  did  not 
wish  to  be  known  as  a  musical  man,  as  I  had  not  the 
least  thought  of  ever  making  music  a  profession." 
President  AVinchester,  of  the  Handel  and  Haydn  So- 
ciety, sold  the  copyright  for  the  young  man.  Mr. 
Mason  went  back  to  Savannah  with  probably  $500  in 
his  pocket  as  the  preliminary  result  of  his  Boston  visit. 

The  book  soon  sprang  into  universal  popularity, 
being  at  once  adopted  by  the  singing  schools  of  New 
England,  and  through  this  means  entering  into  the 
church  choirs,  to  whom  it  opened  up  a  higher  field  of 
harmonic  beauty.  Its  career  of  success  ran  through 
some    seventeen   editions.     On   realizing  this   success, 


DR.  LOWELL  MASON  19 

Mason  determined  to  accept  an  invitation  to  come  to 
Boston  and  enter  upon  a  musical  career.  This  was  in 
1826.  He  was  made  an  honorary  member  of  the 
Handel  and  Haydn  Society,  but  declined  to  accept 
this,  and  entered  the  ranks  as  an  active  member.  He 
had  been  invited  to  come  to  Boston  by  President  Win- 
chester and  other  musical  friends  and  was  guaranteed 
an  income  of  $2,000  a  year.  He  was  also  appointed, 
by  the  influence  of  these  friends,  director  of  music  at 
the  Hanover,  Green,  and  Park  Street  churches,  to  al- 
ternate six  months  with  each  congregation.  Finally  he 
made  a  permanent  arrangement  with  the  Bowdoin 
Street  Church,  and  gave  up  the  guarantee,  but  again 
friendly  influence  stepped  in  and  procured  for  him  the 
position  of  teller  at  the  American  Bank. 

In  1827  Lowell  Mason  became  president  and  con- 
ductor of  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Society.  It  was  the 
beginning  of  a  career  that  was  to  win  for  him  as  has 
been  already  stated  the  title  of  "  The  Father  of  Amer- 
ican Church  Music."  Although  this  may  seem  rather  a 
bold  claim  it  is  not  too  much  under  the  circumstances. 
Mr.  Mason  might  have  been  in  the  average  ranks  of 
musicianship  had  he  lived  in  Europe  ;  in  America  he 
was  w^ell  in  advance  of  his  surroundings.  It  was  not 
too  high  praise  (in  spite  of  Mason's  very  simple  style) 
when  Dr.  Jackson  wrote  of  his  song  collection  :  "  It  is 
much  the  best  book  I  have  seen  published  in  this  coun- 
try, and  I  do  not  hesitate  to  give  it  my  most  decided 
approbation,"  or  that  the  great  contrapuntist,  Haupt- 
mann,  should  say  the  harmonies  of  the  tunes  were 
dignified  and  churchlike  and  that  the  counterpoint  was 
good,  plain,  singable  and  melodious. 

Charles  C.  Perkins  gives  a  few  of  the  reasons  why 


20      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Lowell  Mason  was  the  very  man  to  lead  American 
music  as  it  then  existed.     He  says  : 

''  First  and  foremost,  he  was  not  so  very  much  su- 
perior to  the  members  as  to  be  unreasonably  impatient 
at  their  shortcomings.  Second,  he  was  a  born  teacher, 
who,  by  hard  work,  had  fitted  himself  to  give  instruc- 
tion in  singing.  Third,  he  was  one  of  themselves,  a 
plain,  self-made  man,  who  could  understand  them  and 
be  understood  of  them." 

The  personality  of  Dr.  Mason  was  of  great  use  to  the 
art  and  appreciation  of  music  in  this  country.  He  was 
of  strong  mind,  dignified  manners,  sensitive,  yet  sweet 
and  engaging. 

Prof.  Horace  Mann,  one  of  the  great  educators  of 
that  day,  said  he  would  walk  fifty  miles  to  see  and  hear 
Mr.  Mason  teach  if  he  could  not  otherwise  have  that 
advantage. 

Dr.  Mason  visited  a  number  of  the  music  schools  in 
Europe,  studied  their  methods,  and  incorporated  the 
best  things  in  his  own  work.  He  founded  the  Boston 
Academy  of  Music.  The  aim  of  this  institution  was  to 
reach  the  masses  and  introduce  music  into  the  public 
schools.  Dr.  Mason  resided  in  Boston  from  1826  to 
1851,  when  he  removed  to  New  York.  Not  only  Bos- 
ton benefited  directly  by  this  enthusiastic  teacher's  in- 
struction, but  he  was  constantly  travelling  to  other  so- 
cieties in  distant  cities  and  helping  their  work.  He 
had  a  notable  class  at  North  Reading,  Mass.,  and  he 
went  in  his  later  years  as  far  as  Rochester,  where  he 
trained  a  chorus  of  five  hundred  voices,  many  of  them 
teachers,  and  some  of  them  coming  long  distances  to 
study  under  him.  Before  18-10  he  had  developed  his 
idea  of  "  Teachers'  Conventions,"  and,  as  in  these  he 


DR.  LOAVELL  MASON  21 

had  representatives  from  different  states,  he  made 
musical  missionaries  for  almost  the  entire  country.  He 
left  behind  him  no  less  than  fifty  volumes  of  musical 
collections,  instruction  books,  and  manuals. 

As  a  composer  of  solid,  enduring  church  music.  Dr. 
Mason  was  one  of  the  most  successful  this  country  has 
])roduced.  He  was  a  deeply  pious  man,  and  was  a  com- 
municant of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Dr.  Mason  in 
1817  married  Miss  Abigail  Gregory,  of  Leesborough, 
Mass.  The  family  consisted  of  four  sons,  Daniel  Greg- 
ory, Lowell,  William  and  Henry.  The  two  former 
founded  the  publishing  house  of  Mason  Bros.,  dissolved 
by  the  death  of  the  former  in  18G9.  Lowell  and  Henry 
were  the  founders  of  the  great  organ  manufactory  of 
Mason  &  Hamlin.  Dr.  William  Mason  was  one  of  the 
most  eminent  musicians  that  America  has  yet  produced. 

Dr.  Lowell  Mason  died  at  "  Silverspring,"  a  beau- 
tiful residence  on  the  side  of  Orange  Mountain,  New 
Jersey,  August  11,  1872,  bequeathing  his  great  musical 
library,  much  of  which  had  been  collected  abroad,  to 
Yale  College. 

He  died  full  of  years  and  of  honor, 
For  honor  lies  in  honest  toil. 


W.  B.  BRADBURY. 


II 
William  B.  Bradbury 

THE  churchgoing  people  of  to-day  are  generally 
familiar  with  the  name  Wm.  B.  Bradbury. 
Many  have  cherished  that  name  from  child- 
hood. Most  of  us  began  our  musical  experiences  by 
singing  his  songs,  and  as  early  experiences  are  the  most 
lasting,  we  will  carry  these  melodies,  with  their  happy 
associations,  through  life. 

Mr.  Bradbury,  in  his  day,  created  a  style  of  juvenile 
music,  especially  Sunday-school  music,  that  swept  the 
country.  He  set  the  pattern  for  his  successors  in  Sun- 
day-school song-making,  and  those  who  have  harped  on 
the  key-note  that  he  struck  have  been  most  successful. 
True,  we  have  improved  some  in  the  way  of  hymns, 
and  a  smoother  voicing  of  the  parts,  but  there  are  still 
many  Sunday-school  song  writers  who  regard  Mr. 
Bradbury's  writings  as  the  ideal. 

William  Batchelder  Bradbury  was  born  at  York, 
York  County,  Maine,  October  6,  1816.  He  came  of  a 
good  family.  He  spent  the  first  few  years  of  his  life 
on  his  father's  farm,  and  rainy  days  would  be  spent  in 
the  shoe-shop,  as  was  the  general  custom  in  those  days. 
He  loved  music,  and  w^ould  spend  his  spare  hours  in 
studying  and  practicing  such  music  as  he  could  find. 
In  1830  his  parents  removed  to  Boston,  where  he  saw 
and  heard  for  the  first  time  a  piano  and  organ,  as  well 
as  various  other  instruments.     The  effect  was  to  lead 

23 


24      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WKITERS 

him  to  devote  bis  life  to  the  service  of  music.  Ac- 
cordingly he  took  lessons  upon  the  organ,  and  as  early 
as  183-1:  had  achieved  some  reputation  as  an  organist. 

He  attended  Dr.  Mason's  singing  classes,  and  later 
was  admitted  into  his  celebrated  Bowdoin  Street  church 
choir,  and  the  Doctor  proved  to  be  a  valuable  and 
steadfast  friend. 

After  some  months  he  was  asked  to  preside  at  the 
organ  of  a  certain  church  at  a  salary  of  twenty-five 
dollars  per  annum.  On  trying  the  organ  he  found  it  to 
be  one  of  those  ancient  affairs  which  required  the  keys 
to  be  pulled  up  as  well  as  pressed  down,  and  he  sug- 
gested that  his  pay  should  be  at  least  fifty  dollars,  since 
the  playing  required  this  double  duty.  It  was  not  long 
till  a  better  paying  situation  was  offered  him — that  of 
one  hundred  dollars  a  year. 

At  the  age  of  twenty  he  was  still  singing  in  Dr. 
Mason's  choir,  when  one  evening  at  recess,  the 
Doctor  laid  his  hand  on  his  shoulder,  and  said :  "  Will- 
iam, I  have  an  application  for  a  teacher  at  Machias, 
Maine,  to  teach  three  large  singing  schools,  besides 
private  pupils,  and  I  believe  you  are  just  the  man  for 
the  place."  He  was  overjoyed  and  delighted.  He  sent 
his  terms,  which  were  accepted,  and  achieved  success. 
After  a  busy  year  and  a  half  of  work  at  Machias,  he 
returned  to  Boston  to  marry  his  sweetheart,  and  then 
located  at  St.  Johns,  New  Brunswick.  Here  the  peo- 
ple did  not  take  sufficient  interest  in  his  work,  and  he 
returned  to  Boston.  Then  came  a  call  to  take  charge 
of  the  music  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Brooklyn. 
Dr.  Mason  gave  him  a  letter  of  introduction. 

At  the  time  of  his  taking  charge  of  the  organ  at  the 
Brooklyn    church    there  was  some  opposition  to  the 


WILLIAM  B.  BRADBURY  25 

organ  among  the  members,  lie  being  aware  of  it  took 
pains  to  play  it  so  well,  and  in  such  good  taste,  that  he 
speedily  won  all  to  favor  its  use. 

After  a  year's  work  here  the  important  era  in  his 
career  began.  He  took  charge  of  the  choir  and  organ 
of  the  Baptist  Tabernacle,  New  York  City,  and  in  ad- 
dition started  a  singing  class  for  the  young. 

This  first  class  was  visited  by  many  superintendents 
and  others  interested  in  Sunday-schools,  who  were 
uniformly  delighted  with  what  they  saw  and  heard,  and 
the  originator  of  the  movement  soon  found  himself  en- 
gaged in  many  similar  schools  in  various  parts  of  the 
city.  These  classes  became  very  popular.  In  the 
Spring  Street  Church  there  was  a  class  of  over  six 
hundred.  From  these  schools  sprang  the  celebrated 
"  Juvenile  Musical  Festivals,"  as  they  were  called,  held 
at  the  Broadway  Tabernacle,  which,  for  some  years, 
were  such  a  prominent  feature  among  the  musical 
events  of  the  city.  Those  annual  concerts  were  occa- 
sions never  to  be  forgotten  by  any  who  were  present. 

The  sight  itself  was  a  thrilling  one.  A  thousand 
children  were  seated  on  a  gradually  rising  platform, 
which  spread  the  scene,  as  it  were,  most  gracefully  be- 
fore the  eye.  About  two-thirds  of  the  class  were  girls, 
dressed  uniformly  in  white  with  a  white  wreath  and 
blue  sash.  The  boys  were  dressed  in  jackets  with  col- 
lars turned  over,  something  in  the  Byron  style.  When 
all  were  ready,  a  chord  was  struck  on  the  piano — a 
thousand  children  instantly  arose,  presenting  a  siglit 
that  can  be  far  more  easily  imagined  than  described. 
Of  the  musical  effect  produced  by  such  a  chorus  we  will 
not  attempt  to  speak. 

Mr.  Bradbury  improved  every  occasion  of  these  large 


26      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

gatherings  to  impress  upon  the  public  the  necessity  of 
musical  instruction  in  the  public  schools,  and  in  time  he 
had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  music  taught  as  a  regular 
study  in  the  public  schools  of  New  York. 

While  he  was  teaching  among  the  children,  he  would 
occasionally  compose  a  song  for  them,  and  to  their  de- 
light. So  he  decided  to  make  a  book.  "  The  Young 
Choir  "  was  the  result.  This  was  in  1841.  Being  an 
inexperienced  writer,  he  got  Dr.  Hastings  to  correct 
his  music.  The  book  was  a  success,  and  others  fol- 
lowed. 

Mr.  Bradbury  had  a  desire  to  go  to  Europe  and  study 
with  some  of  the  masters  there,  and  on  the  second  day 
of  July,  1847,  he  took  passage  for  England,  accom- 
panied by  his  wife  and  daughter.  They  were  thirty 
days  on  the  ocean.  He  remained  in  London  some 
weeks,  and  made  good  use  of  his  time  while  there.  He 
made  the  acquaintance  of  Jenny  Lind,  then  quite  un- 
known to  American  fame. 

He  arrived  in  Leipsic,  Germany,  September  11th, 
where  he  made  arrangements  to  begin  his  studies  with- 
out delay.  Wenzel  was  his  teacher  for  the  piano  and 
organ ;  Boehme  for  voice ;  and  Hauptmann  for 
harmony.  This  city  was  the  home  of  Mendelssohn, 
whose  death  occurred  only  a  few  weeks  after  Mr.  Brad- 
bury's arrival,  and  whose  funeral  he  had  the  sad  privi- 
lege of  attending. 

It  need  scarcely  be  stated  that  Mr.  Bradbury  pursued 
his  studies  with  the  greatest  assiduity. 

While  thus  zealously  devoting  himself  to  personal  culti- 
vation and  improvement,  Mr.  Bradbury  was  in  no  danger 
of  losing  sight  of  the  work  at  home  for  which  he  was 
preparing  himself.     He  visited  many  public  and  private 


WILLIAM  B.  BRADBURY  27 

schools,  and  familiarized  himself  thoroughly  with  all 
the  German  methods  of  popular  musical  instruction. 
He  also  made  the  acquaintance  of  many  prominent 
musicians.  Pie  made  a  short  but  very  interesting  tour 
across  the  Alps  into  Switzerland,  After  his  return  to 
New  York,  in  1849,  he  devoted  his  entire  time  to  teach- 
ing, conducting  conventions,  composing,  and  editing 
music  books.  In  1851:,  in  connection  with  his  brother, 
E.  Gr.  Bradbury,  he  commenced  the  manufacture  of  the 
Bradbury  pianos,  which  at  one  time  were  quite  popular. 

Prof.  Wm.  B.  Bradbury  was  one  of  the  great  trio 
(the  other  two  being  Drs.  Mason  and  Root)  to  which 
the  church  and  vocal  music  of  this  country  owe 
much.  Mr.  Bradbury  was  an  excellent  composer.  His 
melodies  have  an  easy,  natural  flow,  and  his  harmonies 
are  simple  and  natural,  and  many  of  his  hymn -tunes 
and  gospel  songs  still  in  use  are  among  the  best  that 
American  writers  have  produced.  He  was  unceasingly 
active,  having  edited  fifty-nine  books  of  sacred  and 
secular  music,  a  large  part  of  which  were  his  own 
work. 

Professor  Bradbury  was  an  excellent  conductor  and 
teacher.  He  was  always  kind,  patient,  and  full  of 
sympathy  for  others.  Mr.  Bradbury  died  at  his 
residence,  Montclair,  N.  J.,  January  8,  1868,  leaving  a 
widow,  four  daughters  and  a  son.  He  will  always 
occupy  a  prominent  place  in  American  musical  history. 


DR.    GEO.    F.    ROOT. 


ni 
Dr.  George  F.  Root 

THE  subject  of  our  sketch  was  the  product  of 
that  period  in  our  national  life  in  which  the 
parents  devoted  themselves  preeminently  to 
training  their  children  to  habits  of  industry,  and  to 
teaching  them  the  strictest  morality  and  religion.  In- 
heriting a  strong  physical  constitution,  and  starting 
out  from  a  typical  New  England  home  a  pure  boy  with 
high  aspirations,  he  attained  the  highest  place  among 
American  musicians  as  a  teacher,  a  theorist  and  com- 
poser. 

George  Frederick  Eoot  was  born  in  Sheffield,  Mass., 
August  30, 1820.  His  father  moved  to  North  Eeading, 
near  Boston,  when  the  boy  was  six  years  old,  and  there 
his  youth  was  spent. 

He  was  always  fond  of  music— not  singing  at  all  as 
a  boy,  but  played  upon  every  kind  of  instrument  that 
came  in  his  way.  At  thirteen  it  was  his  pride  that  he 
could  ''  play  a  tune  "  on  as  many  instruments  as  he  was 
years  old.  His  dream  of  life  was  to  be  a  musician,  al- 
though such  an  ambition  was  looked  down  upon  by 
all  his  relatives  and  fiiends,  excepting  a  fond  mother. 

In  the  fall  of  1838  he  went  to  Boston  and  made  an 
engagement  to  work  for  Mr.  A.  N.  Johnson  and  take 
lessons  on  the  piano. 

His  father  and  one  of  the  brothers  were  at  the  time 
in  South  America,  and  the  mother,  with  six  younger 
children,  was  at  home  on  the  farm.     When  he  secured 

29 


30      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

the  engagement  with  Mr.  Johnson  to  receive  three 
dollars  a  week  and  board  and  lessons,  the  neighbors 
became  interested  and  encouraged  him  to  go  ahead, 
they  promising  to  help  look  after  the  farm  and  see  that 
the  family  got  along.  The  young  man's  happiness 
over  these  events  can  better  be  imagined  than  de- 
scribed. 

On  the  second  day  of  October,  1838,  he  entered  upon 
his  duties  in  his  new  heaven  on  earth  located  at  Har- 
mony Hall,  Mr.  Johnson's  music-room,  in  Boston.  His 
duties  were  to  see  to  the  fires,  care  for  the  room,  an- 
swer callers,  give  information  about  Mr.  Johnson  when 
he  was  out,  and  practice  his  lessons  when  not  otherwise 
engaged.  He  Avorked  industriously  and  made  steady 
progress.  It  was  but  a  few  weeks  till  Mr.  Johnson  had 
him  playing  for  the  prayer-meeting,  and  but  a  few 
more  till  he  began  turning  over  pupils  to  him.  In 
about  seven  weeks'  time  Mr.  Johnson  encouraged  him 
by  a  considerable  increase  of  salary.  A  most  impor- 
tant event  to  him  was  meeting  Dr.  Lowell  Mason  and 
being  accepted  as  a  bass  singer  in  the  celebrated  Bow- 
doin  Street  choir.  Also,  on  Mr.  Johnson's  recom- 
mendation, he  began  taking  private  voice  lessons  of 
Mr.  Geo.  Jas.  Webb,  the  then  celebrated  voice  teacher 
of  Boston.    He  continued  at  least  a  year  with  Mr.  Webb. 

His  first  real  singing  class  was  taught  the  following 
fall,  1839,  at  the  North  End.  It  lasted  nearly  through 
the  winter,  and  on  the  closing  night  his  class  made  him 
a  present  of  a  silver  goblet,  suitably  engraved,  which 
he  kept  among  his  treasures. 

Before  the  first  year  was  up  Mr.  Johnson  proposed  a 
five  year  partnershi]),  by  which  Mr.  Root  was  to  receive 
one-third  of  their  earnings,  and  the  former  was  to  have 


DR.  GEOEGE  F,  ROOT  31 

the  privilege  of  visiting  Germany  part  of  the  time  if 
he  chose.  They  then  clianged  their  quarters  to  tliree 
rooms  in  the  basement  of  Park  Street  Church.  The 
annual  rental  was  six  hundred  dollars.  They  were  kept 
quite  busy. 

At  this  time  Dr.  Mason's  music  teaching  in  the 
public  schools  was  a  growing  success,  and  Messrs. 
Johnson  and  Root  were  employed  to  assist  him.  Drs. 
Mason  and  Webb  had  introduced  what  is  now  called 
Musical  Conventions  a  year  or  two  previous  to  this. 
They  called  them  "The  Teachers'  Class."  Teachers 
and  singers  were  called  to  Boston  from  surrounding 
territory  to  study  and  practice  pretty  much  as  they  do 
now  at  normals. 

In  1841  Mr.  Root  became  one  of  the  teachers  in  this 
class.  He  taught  vocal  training  and  continued  this 
work  for  years  afterwards  in  Dr.  Mason's  teachers' 
classes,  and  later  incorporated  the  same  method  in  his 
own  normals.  During  this  year  Mr.  Johnson  went  to 
Germany,  and  left  the  two  large  church  choirs  (Winter 
Street  and  Park  Street)  in  charge  of  Mr.  Root.  One  of 
the  organs  was  played  by  a  pupil — Mr.  S.  A.  Bancroft. 

Everything  went  smoothly  during  Mr.  Johnson's  ab- 
sence as  it  did  also  after  his  return.  During  the  last 
year  of  the  five-year  partnership,  Mr.  Root  was  called 
to  take  the  organ  at  Bowdoin  Street,  Mr.  Mason 
changing  to  Winter  Street.  An  amicable  settlement 
was  made  between  Messrs.  Johnson  and  Root,  and  the 
partnership  dissolved. 

In  18-11:,  Mr.  Jacob  Abbott  (father  of  Lyman  Abbott) 
and  his  three  brothers  had  established  a  young  ladies' 
school  in  ^N^ew  York  City.  They  wanted  a  music  teacher, 
and  offered  the  position  to  Mr.  Root.     They  also  se- 


32      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

cured  him  the  organ  and  choir  of  the  Mercer  Street 
Church,  with  prospects  for  other  good  work.  It  re- 
quired pretty  strong  persuasive  arguments  to  tempt 
Mr.  Root  to  leave  Boston,  lie  was  doing  well  there, 
and  as  the  sequel  shows,  there  was  an  attraction  in 
Boston  that  held  him  in  too  tight  a  grasp  to  be  re- 
linquished by  the  mere  offer  of  greater  power  and 
place.  He  made  up  his  mind,  however,  only  after 
getting  the  consent  of  the  powders  of  Boston  to  take 
with  him  this  [to  him]  the  greatest  attraction  of  the 
city — Miss  Mary  Olive  Woodman — an  accomplished 
lady,  a  sweet  singer,  and  a  member  of  a  prominent 
family  of  musicians.  He  went  to  New  York  first  to 
prepare  a  home,  and  in  August,  1 845,  returned  for  his 
bride,  who  took  her  place  in  his  New  York  choir  as 
leading  soprano,  and  through  his  long  and  eventful 
career  she  was  ever  at  his  side,  a  true  helpmeet. 

He  was  soon  employed  at  Rutger's  Female  Institute, 
Miss  Haines'  School  for  Young  Ladies,  Union  Theolog- 
ical Seminary  and  the  New  York  State  Institution  for 
the  Blind.  Within  six  weeks  after  he  arrived  in  New 
York  his  time  w^as  fully  occupied.  He  continued  with 
Mr.  Abbott's  young  ladies'  school  ten  years. 

While  teaching  in  New  York  he  continued  his  summer 
w^ork  with  Messrs.  Mason  and  Webb  in  Teachers'  Classes. 
U})  to  the  year  1849  he  had  written  but  little  music; 
only  a  few  hymn  tunes  wdiile  in  Boston.  He  needed 
more  music  for  the  young  ladies  of  his  schools,  so  he 
made  his  first  book,  "  The  Young  Ladies'  Choir,"  of 
w^hich  he  had  enough  copies  made  for  his  own  use, 
as  he  had  no  thought  of  offering  it  to  the  public. 
Then  in  connection  with  Mr.  J.  E.  Sweetser,  they 
compiled  the  "  Root  and  Sweetser's  Collection." 


DR.  GEORGE  F.  ROOT  33 

Mr.  Root  did  work  enough  for  two  men,  hence 
broke  down  in  health.  Mr.  Abbott  suggested  that  he 
take  a  trip  to  Paris.  After  weighing  the  matter  care- 
fully, in  December,  1853,  he  sailed,  and  in  due  time 
arrived  at  Paris,  where  he  began  studying  French, 
voice  culture  and  piano  under  celebrated  teachers. 
After  spending  nearly  a  year  abroad,  he  returned 
home  in  improved  health  and  ready  for  active  work. 
He  began  to  feel  the  need  of  new  music  for  his  classes, 
and  after  some  thought  decided  upon  a  musical  play  ; 
the  subject  and  title,  "  The  Flower  Queen." 

At  the  Institution  for  the  Blind  was  a  young  lady,  a 
former  pupil,  but  now  a  teacher  who  had  shown  some 
poetical  talent.  He  asked  her  to  help  him  with  the 
words.  He  would  suggest  in  prose  what  the  flowers 
might  say  and  she  would  put  it  into  rhyme.  She  did 
it  so  well  that  it  seldom  needed  any  alteration.  This 
lady  was  the  now  famous  Fanny  Crosby.  The  cantata 
became  very  popular.  About  this  time  Mr.  Root  wrote 
a  half  dozen  simple  songs  for  the  people.  They  all  sold 
pretty  well,  but  "  Hazel  Dell  "  and  "  Rosalie,  the  Prairie 
Flower,"  became  the  most  popular,  and  had  a  large  sale. 

It  was  in  the  summer  of  1853  that  the  first  real 
normal  was  held.  Mr.  Root  originated  it,  and  held 
it  in  'Nqw  York.  The  principal  teachers  were  Messrs. 
Mason,  Root,  Hastings,  and  Bradbury.  This  school  be- 
came famous.  Sessions  were  also  held  at  Xorth  Read- 
ing, Mass.,  a  village  near  Mr.  Root's  "  Willow  Farm 
Home,"  with  Dr.  Mason,  Mr.  Webb,  Mr.  Bradbury  and 
himself  as  principal  teachers. 

About  this  time  Mr.  Root  decided  to  give  up  his  work 
in  JSTew  York,  and  devote  himself  entirely  to  conven- 
tions, normal  work  and  authorship.     He  was  eminently 


34      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

successful.  Among  the  most  eminent  teachers  and 
composers  of  our  country  have  been  students  in  Dr. 
Geo.  F.  Root's  Normal  Musical  Institute. 

In  1860  Dr.  Root  settled  in  Chicago  and  entered  the 
music  publishing  business  with  his  brother  E.  T.  Root, 
and  C.  M.  Cady,  as  "  Root  &  Cady,"  Mr.  Root's  repu- 
tation being  the  most  important  capital  of  the  firm. 
His  books  and  popular  songs  soon  made  the  new  firm 
prosperous.  Then  came  the  war  with  its  horror.  Dr. 
Root  wielded  his  musical  sword  in  the  way  of  writing 
w^ar  songs,  which  made  him  famous.  "  The  Battle  Cry 
of  Freedom,"  "  Just  Before  the  Battle,  Mother,"  and 
others,  made  thousands  of  dollars  for  the  music  house. 

In  the  great  Chicago  fire  of  1871  the  interests  of  the 
firm  of  Root  &  Cady  became  engulfed  in  the  general 
ruin.  Their  loss  was  upward  of  a  quarter  of  a  million 
dollars.  They  then  sold  their  book  catalogue,  plates 
and  copyrights  to  John  Church  &  Co.,  of  Cincinnati, 
and  the  sheet  music  plates  and  copyrights  to  S.  Brain- 
ard's  Sons,  Cleveland.  These  sales  realized  about  §130,- 
000.  The  final  result  was  that  Dr.  Root,  his  talented 
son  F.  W.,  and  others  became  connected  with  John 
Church  &  Co.  Under  this  new  business  relationship 
Mr.  Root  went  right  on  with  his  normal  and  convention 
work  ;  also  issued  a  great  many  new  books  and  cantatas. 
In  1872  the  Chicago  University  very  worthily  conferred 
upon  him  the  degree  Doctor  of  Music. 

In  1886  he  made  a  trip  to  Scotland  and  England, 
and  arranged  with  publishers  to  issue  some  of  his  can- 
tatas.    He  was  royally  received. 

Dr.  Root  was  the  author  of  about  seventy-five  books, 
nearly  two  hundred  songs  in  sheet  form,  and  many 
popular  gospel  songs.     Dr.  Root  occupies  a  prominent 


DR.  GEORGE  F.  ROOT  35 

place  in  the  musical  history  of  this  country.  It  was 
Dr.  Mason  who  lifted  music  from  almost  nothing  and 
gave  it  an  impetus,  but  he  left  no  better  follower  than 
Dr.  Root  to  carry  on  his  work.  He  was  a  man  of  spot- 
less integrity  and  high  Christian  character ;  and  to 
know  him  was  to  love  him. 

At  the  time  of  Dr.  Root's  death  he  was  at  Bailey 
Island,  Maine,  a  summer  resort,  where  he  and  other 
relatives  had  cottages.  On  August  6,  1895,  he  was 
seized  with  neuralgia  of  the  heart — and  died  within  one 
hour.  He  was  buried  at  North  Reading,  Mass.,  his  old 
home. 

"  Dead  he  is  not,  but  departed — for  the  artist  never  dies." 


FANNY  J.   CROSBY. 


lY 

Miss  Fanny  J.  Crosby 

ONE  of  the  great  powers  that  influence  the 
world  is  the  writer  of  favorite  songs  and 
hymns.  Such  a  person  approaches  nearer  to 
the  hearts  of  the  people  than  any  one  else.  AVherever 
the  religion  of  Christ  has  found  lodgment  the  count- 
less songs  of  Fanny  Crosby,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
have  brought  comfort  to  Christian  hearts  and  stirred 
up  inspiration  that  will  abide  as  long  as  life  shall  last. 

Frances  Jane  Crosby,  the  daughter  of  John  and 
Mercy  Crosby,  was  born  in  Southeast,  Putnam  County, 
N.  Y.,  March  24,  1820.  She  became  blind  at  the  age 
of  six  weeks  from  maltreatment  of  her  eyes  during  a 
spell  of  sickness.  When  she  was  eight  years  old  she 
moved  with  her  parents  to  Eidgefield,  Conn.,  the  family 
remaining  there  four  years.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  she 
entered  the  New  York  Institution  for  the  Blind,  Avhere 
she  received  a  good  education.  She  became  a  teacher 
in  the  institution  in  1847,  and  continued  her  work  until 
March  1, 1858.  She  taught  English  grammar,  rhetoric, 
Eoman  and  American  history.  This  was  the  great  de- 
veloping period  in  her  life.  During  the  vacations  of 
1852  and  1853,  spent  at  North  Eeading,  Mass.,  she  wrote 
the  words  to  many  songs  for  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Eoot,  then  the 
teacher  of  music  at  the  blind  institution.  Among  them 
were,  "Hazel  Dell,''  "The  Honeysuckle  Glen,"  "Eosalie, 
the    Prairie   Flower,"  "Music  in   the   Air,"    '^  Proud 

37 


38      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

World,  Good-bye,  I'm  Going  Home,"  "  All  Together," 
"Never  Forget  the  Dear  Ones,"  and  others.  Subse- 
quently she  wrote  the  words  for  the  cantatas  of  ^'  The 
Flower  Queen  "  and  "  The  Pilgrmi  Fathers,"  all  of 
which  were  very  popular  in  their  day,  though  it  was 
not  generally  known  at  the  time  that  she  was  the 
author. 

While  teaching  at  the  institution  she  met  Presidents 
Yan  Buren  and  Tyler,  Hon.  Henry  Clay,  Governor 
Wm.  H.  Seward,  General  Winfield  Scott,  and  other 
distinguished  characters  of  American  history.  Con- 
cerning Mr.  Clay,  she  gives  the  following :  "  When 
Mr.  Clay  came  to  the  institution  during  his  last  visit  to 
New  York,  I  was  selected  to  welcome  him  with  a  poem. 
Six  months  before  he  had  lost  a  son  at  the  battle  of 
Monterey,  and  I  had  sent  him  some  verses.  In  my  ad- 
dress I  carefully  avoided  any  allusion  to  them,  in  order 
not  to  wound  him.  When  I  had  finished  he  drcAV  my 
arm  in  his,  and,  addressing  the  audience,  said  through 
his  tears :  '  This  is  not  the  first  poem  for  Avhich  I  am 
indebted  to  this  lady.  Six  months  ago  she  sent  me 
some  lines  on  the  death  of  my  dear  son.'  Both  of  us 
were  overcome  for  a  few  moments.  Soon,  by  a  splen- 
did eifort,  Mr.  Clay  recovered  himself,  but  I  could  not 
control  my  tears."  In  connection  with  her  meeting 
these  notable  men,  we  might  add  that  Miss  Fanny 
Crosby  had  the  honor  of  being  the  first  woman  whose 
voice  was  heard  publicly  in  the  Senate  Chamber  at 
AYashington.  She  read  a  poem  there  on  one  occasion. 
In  addition  to  the  thousands  of  hymns  that  she  has 
written  (about  eight  thousand  poems  in  all),  many  of 
which  have  not  been  set  to  music,  she  has  published 
four  volumes  of  verses.     The  first  was  issued  in  1844, 


MISS  FANNY  J.  CROSBY  39 

and  was  entitled  "  The  Blind  Girl,  and  Other  Poems  "  ; 
a  second  volume,  "  Monterey,  and  Other  Poems,"  fol- 
lowed in  1849,  and  the  third,  "  A  Wreath  of  Colum- 
bia's Flowers,"  in  1858.  The  fourth,  "  Bells  at  Evening 
and  Other  Yerses,"  with  a  biographical  sketch  by  Rev. 
Robert  Lowry,  and  a  fine  half-tone  portrait,  in  1897, 
the  sales  of  which  have  reached  a  fourth  edition.  The 
book  is  published  by  The  Biglow  &  Main  Co.,  New 
York. 

Though  these  show  the  poetical  bent  of  her  mind, 
they  have  little  to  do  with  her  world-wide  fame.  It  is 
as  a  writer  of  Sunday-school  songs  and  gospel  hymns 
that  she  is  known  wherever  the  English  language  is 
spoken,  and,  in  fact,  wherever  any  other  language  is 
heard. 

Fanny  was  married  March  5,  1858,  to  Alex.  Van 
Alstyne,  who  was  also  a  scholar  in  the  same  institution 
in  which  she  was  educated. 

She  began  to  write  Sunday-school  hymns  for  Wm.  B. 
Bradbury  in  1864.     Her  first  hymn, 

*'  We  are  going,  we  are  going 
To  a  home  beyond  the  skies,'' 

was  written  at  the  Ponton  Hotel  on  Franklin  Street,  New 
York  City,  on  February  5th  of  that  year.  This  hymn 
was  sung  at  Mr.  Bradbury's  funeral  in  January,  1868. 
Since  1864  she  has  supported  herself  by  writing 
hymns.  She  has  resided  in  New  York  City  nearly  all 
her  life,  where,  she  says,  she  is  "  a  member  of  the  Old 
John  Street  M.  E.  Church  in  good  standing."  She 
spends  regular  hours  on  certain  days  at  the  office  of 
The  Biglow  &  Main  Co.,  the  firm  for  which  she  does 
most  of  her  writing,  and  for  whom  slie  has  composed 


40      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

over  four  thousand  hymns.  Her  hymns  have  been  in 
g-reat  demand  and  have  been  used  by  many  of  our  most 
popular  composers,  among  whom  may  be  mentioned 
Wm.  B.  Bradbury,  Geo.  F.  Root,  W.'^H.  Doane,  Rev. 
Robert  Lowry,  Ira  D.  Sankey,  J.  R.  Sweney,  W.  J. 
Kirkpatrick,  H.  P.  Main,  H.  P.  Danks,  Philip  Phillips, 
B.  G.  Unseld,  and  others.  She  can  compose  at  any 
time  and  does  not  need  to  wait  for  any  special  inspira- 
tion, and  her  best  hymns  have  come  on  the  spur  of  the 
moment.  She  always  composes  with  an  open  book  in 
her  hand,  generally  a  copy  of  "  Golden  Hymns,"  held 
closely  over  her  eyes,  bottom  side  up.  She  learned  to 
play  on  the  guitar  and  piano  while  at  the  institution, 
and  has  a  clear  soprano  voice.  She  also  received  a 
technical  training  in  music,  and  for  this  reason  she  can, 
and  does,  compose  airs  for  some  of  her  hymns.  One  of 
these  is, 

"  Jesus,  dear,  I  come  to  Thee, 
Thou  hast  said  I  may," 

both  words  and  music  of  which  are  wonderfully  s\veet. 
"  Safe  in  the  arms  of  Jesus,"  probably  one  of  her  best 
known  hymns,  is  her  ow^n  favorite. 

Fanny  loves  her  work,  and  is  happy  in  it.  She  is 
always  ready  either  to  sympathize  or  join  in  a  mirthful 
conversation,  as  the  case  may  be.  The  secret  of  this 
contentment  dates  from  her  first  composition  at  the  age 
of  eight  years.  ''  It  has  been  the  motto  of  my  life," 
she  says.     It  is  : 

''  O  what  a  happy  soul  am  I ! 
Although  I  cannot  see, 
I  am  resolved  that  in  this  world 
Contented  I  will  be  ; 


MISS  FANNY  J.  CROSBY  41 

How  luaDy  blessiij<i,\s  I  enjoy 

That  other  people  donH! 
To  wee]3  aud  sigh  because  I'm  blind, 

I  eauuot,  aud  I  won't." 


This  has  continued  to  be  her  philosophy.  She  says 
that  had  it  not  been  for  hei-  aftliction  she  miirlit  not 
have  so  good  an  education,  nor  so  great  an  influence, 
and  certainly  not  so  fine  a  memory.  She  knows  a  great 
many  portions  of  the  Bible  by  heart,  and  had  committed 
to  memory  the  first  four  books  of  the  Old  Testament, 
and  also  the  four  Gospels  before  she  was  ten  years  of 
age. 

Her  scope  of  subjects  is  wide,  embracing  everything 
from  a  contemplation  of  heaven,  as  in  *'  The  Bright 
Forever  "  and  "  The  Blessed  Homeland,"  to  an  appeal 
to  the  work  of  this  world,  as  in  "  To  the  Work  "  and 
"Rescue  the  Perishing."  The  most  of  Fanny's  pub- 
lished hymns  have  appeared  under  the  name  of  Fanny  J. 
Crosby  or  Mrs.  Yan  Alstyne,  but  quite  a  large  number 
have  appeared  under  the  nom  de  plumes  of  Grace  J. 
Frances,  Mrs.  C.  M.  Wilson,  Lizzie  Edwards,  Ella  Dale, 
Henrietta  E.  Blair,  Rose  Atherton,  Maud  Marion,  Leah 
Carlton,  nearly  two  hundred  different  names. 

Among  her  most  widely-known  hymns  may  be  named 
the  following :  "  There's  a  cry  from  Macedonia,"  ''  I  feel 
like  singing  all  the  time,"  "  Never  be  afraid  to  speak  for 
Jesus,"  "Lord,  at  Thy  mercy  seat,"  "Jesus  the  water 
of  life  will  give,"  "  '  Give,'  said  the  little  stream,"  "  AVe 
are  marching  on  with  shield  and  banner  bi'ight."  "  Pass 
me  not,  O  gentle  Savioui*,"  "  Jesus,  keej)  me  near  the 
cross,"  "Rescue  the  Perishing,"  "Sing  with  a  tuneful 
spirit,"  "Praise  Tlim,  ])raise  Him,"  '^  To  the  work,  to 


42      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

the  work,"  "The  Bright  Forever,"  "Blessed  Assur- 
ance," "  Close  to  Thee,"  "  Blessed  Homeland,"  "  Saved 
by  Grace,"  "  Thy  word  is  a  lamp  to  my  feet,  0  Lord," 
"  Hast  thou  trimmed  thy  lamp,  my  brother  ?  "  "  Never 
say  good-bye." 

Mr.  Yan  Alstyne  (her  husband)  was  said  to  be  a 
good  musician.  He  died  in  1902.  Fanny  is  extremely 
young  for  her  age,  and  she  laughingly  avers  that  she 
"  will  live  to  be  103."  When  her  time  comes  to  pass 
into  the  glory- world,  her  eyes  will  be  opened,  and  she 
"  shall  see  Him  face  to  face,  and  tell  the  story — Saved 
by  grace." 


DR.  L.   O.   EMERSON. 


Y 
Dr.  L.  O.  Emerson 

LUTHER  ORLAISTDO  EMERSON  was  born  at 
Parsonsfield,  Maine,  August  3,  1820.  He  de- 
scended from  distinguished  English  ancestry. 
His  parents  were  quite  musical,  and  while  the  family 
circle  were  together,  they  had  a  choir  and  orchestra  of 
their  own.  The  father  played  the  violincello,  the 
mother  was  an  excellent  singer,  the  flute  and  violin 
added  their  sweet  tones,  till  the  quiet  homestead  rang 
with  melody. 

Mr.  Emerson's  education  was  obtained  at  the  district 
school,  Parsonsfield  Seminary  and  Effingham  Academ3\ 
He  was  full  of  energy,  quick  and  versatile,  an  apt 
scholar,  and  wath  a  view  to  entering  the  profession  of 
medicine  he  entered  Dracut  Academy,  Mass.  But  his 
great  love  for  music  swerved  him  from  that  course,  and 
now,  having  far  better  opportunities  for  cultivating 
and  enjoying  this  taste  and  ability,  he  soon  determined 
upon  music  as  the  profession  of  his  choice.  He  accord- 
ingly commenced  a  course  of  musical  instruction  under 
the  late  I.  B.  Woodbury,  then  a  popular  teacher  of 
music.  After  several  years  of  study  on  the  voice,  piano, 
organ  and  in  harmony,  Mr.  Emerson  went  to  Salem, 
Mass.,  began  teaching,  and  took  charge  of  his  first  choir 
at  a  salary  of  one  hundred  dollars  per  year.  Here  he 
commenced  the  composition  of  music  for  his  own  choir, 
wdiich  was  so  popular  with  its  members  and  the  con- 

45 


46      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WAITERS 

gregation,  that  Mr.  Emerson  was  encouraged  to  seek  a 
larger  hearing  by  publishing  a  collection  of  church 
music.  Among  the  tunes  was  that  of  "  Sessions," 
named  after  his  pastor,  which  was  destined  to  have  a 
perennial  popularity,  and  is  often  used  in  worship  in 
the  place  of  "  Old  Hundred,"  for  the  Doxology.  At 
the  great  Peace  Jubilee  it  was  received  with  applause 
when  sung  by  a  chorus  of  ten  thousand  voices,  accom- 
panied by  an  orchestra  of  two  hundred  instruments  and 
a  great  pipe  organ.  The  effect  w^as  sublime  beyond 
expression. 

In  1847  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Emerson  to 
Miss  Mary  Gore,  daughter  of  a  prominent  Boston  mer- 
chant. She  was  a  lady  of  much  musical  taste  and 
ability. 

In  1853  he  decided  to  make  an  effort  to  put  his  music 
before  the  public,  and  accordingly  went  to  Boston  in 
search  of  a  pablisher.  Like  most  young  and  unknown 
authors,  he  met  with  but  little  encouragement ;  but 
finally  found  a  publisher  in  the  person  of  Mr.  B.  B. 
Muzzy.  Thus  was  the  "  Romberg  Collection  "  published. 
The  book  was  not  pushed — hence  it  found  no  market. 

After  a  residence  of  eight  years  in  Salem,  Mr.  Emer- 
son removed  to  Boston,  accepting  the  position  of 
organist  and  musical  director  at  the  Bulfinch  Street 
Church,  then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Wm.  R. 
Alger,  which  he  filled  for  four  years.  He  eagerly  im- 
proved the  rare  means  of  culture  which  were  once 
more  enjoyed,  meanwhile  teaching  and  composing 
music. 

In  1857  he  formed  the  connection  with  Oliver  Ditson 
Company,  of  Boston,  of  author  and  publisher,  which  has 
continued  to  the  present  time  with  but  one  interruption 


DR.  L.  O.  EMERSON  47 

(a  single  volume  brought  out  by  another  firm),  the 
"  Golden  Wreath,"  which  at  once  became  popular,  and 
sold  forty  thousand  during  the  first  year,  this  being  the 
initial  volume  in  the  long  series  since  brought  out  by 
these  publishers.  In  1858  came  the  "  Golden  Harp," 
which  was  also  a  success.  These  successes  gave  him  not 
only  encouragement,  but  reputation. 

Mr.  Emerson  now  entered  upon  a  career  of  usefulness 
and  popularity  for  which  he  had  been  preparing  during 
the  years  of  self-denying  struggle  and  discipline.  He 
was  called  to  take  charge  of  the  music  in  the  Second 
Congregational  Church,  Greenfield,  Mass.,  and  also  of 
the  musical  department  of  Power's  Institute,  at 
Bernardston.  Amid  nature's  most  beautiful  surround- 
ings, he  had  a  quiet  retreat  for  the  pursuit  of  his  true 
vocation,  the  composition  of  church  music. 

The  first  fruit  of  his  genius  here  was  the  "  Sabbath 
Harmony,"  in  1860.  This  book  was  also  a  success.  In 
1863  followed  the  "  Harp  of  Judah,"  which  had  the  re- 
markable sale  of  nearly  fifty  thousand  copies  in  the  first 
three  months.  This  book  probably  gave  Mr.  Emerson 
his  preeminence  as  a  composer  of  church  music,  con- 
taining as  it  did  his  anthem,  "  Guide  ]\Ie,  O  Thou 
Great  Jehovah,"  and  many  of  his  finest  compositions. 

Having  declined  the  solicitations  of  Dr.  Lowell 
Mason  to  become  his  associate  in  music,  Mr.  Emerson 
started  forth  on  his  own  plans,  and  attained  the  high- 
est rank  among  those  who  loved  the  pure  and  beauti- 
ful in  song.  Mr.  W.  S.  B.  Mathews,  a  musical  critic, 
pronounces  him  the  best  melodist  of  all  the  psalniodv 
writers. 

In  1866  the  equally  successful  ''  Jubilate "  ap- 
peared, followed  by  the  *'  Choral  Tribute,"  the  "  Stand- 


48      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

ard"  and  the  "Leader."  Li  the  last  two  Dr.  IL  R. 
Pahner  was  associated  with  him.  Later  on  came  the 
"  Salutation,"  "  Voice  of  Worship,"  "  Herald  of  Praise," 
etc.  The  diligence  with  which  Mr.  Emerson  plied  his 
pen  can  be  estimated  when  one  recalls  the  fact  that  he 
has  made  seventy-two  collections  of  music,  embracing 
music  for  churches,  singing  schools,  public  schools, 
choral  societies  and  conventions,  instruction  books  for 
voice,  organ,  etc.  He  has  also  composed  and  published 
scores  of  songs,  quartets  and  instrumental  pieces. 

The  great  amount  of  work  this  represents  can  only  be 
appreciated  by  those  who  have  undertaken  similar 
labors.  Some  years  ago  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Music 
was  conferred  upon  Professor  Emerson  by  the  Faculty 
of  Findlay  College,  Findlay,  Ohio. 

For  many  years  past.  Dr.  Emerson  has  devoted  his 
energies  to  the  grand  purpose  of  elevating  the  general 
character  of  music  in  our  churches,  and  thus  largely 
advancing  the  interests  of  true  worship.  He  places 
great  stress  upon  the  mission  of  church  music.  He  re- 
gards sacred  music  as  the  best  expression  of  devotional 
feeling  that  exists.  He  looks  upon  sacred  song  as 
prayer,  and  believes  that  it  inspires  and  intensifies 
prayer.  With  this  view  he  has  taken  an  active  and 
prominent  part  in  musical  festiv^als  and  conventions,  of 
which  he  has  conducted  over  three  hundred  throughout 
the  United  States  and  Canada.  As  a  conductor,  he 
stands  in  the  front  rank.  As  a  teacher.  Dr.  Emerson 
has  an  exceedingly  happy  faculty  of  imparting  in  a 
concise  manner  to  his  classes.  His  very  pleasing  ad- 
dress enables  him  to  command  the  undivided  attention 
of  his  pupils. 

As  a  singer,  he  has  always  held  higli  rank,  and  has 


DR.  L.  O.  EMERSON  49 

sung  much  in  public.  His  voice  is  a  baritone  of  great 
compass,  and  quite  powerful.  As  a  lecturer  upon 
music,  Dr.  Emerson  has  attracted  much  attention.  His 
most  popular  lecture  is  entitled :  "  The  AVorld  of 
Music,"  in  which  he  traces  its  origin  and  progress,  and 
gives  some  excellent  traits  of  the  lives  of  the  great  com- 
posers. In  this  lecture  he  also  shows  the  design  of 
music,  and  how  it  has  been  prized  in  every  age  of  the 
world,  among  all  nations — its  power  in  the  Church  and 
State,  and  the  need  of  its  influence  in  the  family — in 
joy  and   sorrow — for    this   life   and  the  life  to  come. 

Dr.  Emerson  resides  in  Hyde  Park,  a  suburb  of  Bos- 
ton, where  he  has  a  most  pleasant  home,  and  enjoys  a 
large  circle  of  friends  and  an  honored  reputation. 
Though  full  of  years,  he  is  also  full  of  life  and  vigor, 
and  labors  with  unabated  zeal  in  editing  books  and 
composing  music. 

Dr.  Emerson's  two  daughters  are  very  fine  musi- 
cians. They  are  composers,  directors  of  music  clubs, 
and  have  issued  several  music  books  for  children. 

Dr.  Emerson  is  a  great  and  good  man,  and  has  used 
his  gifts  in  promoting  the  Master's  cause  in  sacred  song. 


REV.  W.  O.  GUSHING. 


Yl 

Rev.  W.  O.  Gushing 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  William  Orcutt 
Gushing,  was  born  at  Hingham  Center,  Mass., 
December  31,  1823.  His  parents  were  Uni- 
tarians, and  his  early  training  was  along  these  lines, 
having  studied  with  the  Unitarian  minister  at  his  home 
town.  William  was  a  most  noble  and  thoughtful  boy, 
and  when  he  became  old  enough  to  read  the  Bible  and 
think  for  himself,  he  joined  the  Christian  Church. 

When  eighteen  years  of  age  he  decided  to  prepare 
for  the  ministry,  feeling  that  he  had  a  call  from  God 
to  that  work.  After  completing  his  education  he  en- 
tered upon  the  work  for  his  Master.  Mr.  Cushing's 
first  pastorate  was  at  Sears  burg,  N.  Y.  While  here  he 
became  acquainted  with  Miss  Hena  Proper,  and  was 
married  to  her  February  4,  1854.  She  proved  to  be  a 
great  help  to  him  in  his  gospel  work.  After  serving 
Searsburg  charge  for  several  years,  he  was  at  different 
times  pastor  at  Auburn,  Brooklyn,  Buffalo,  and  Sparta, 
N.  Y.  During  these  years  of  faithful  work,  Mrs.  Cush- 
ing's  health  failed ;  they  then  returned  to  Searsburg, 
where  he  again  served  as  pastor  for  several  years. 
After  a  long  illness  through  which  he  cared  tenderly 
for  her,  she  died  July  13,  1870.  Soon  after  her  death, 
creeping  paralysis  seized  upon  Mr.  Cushing,  and  he  was 
compelled  to  retire  from  tiie  ministry. 

As  a  pastor,  he  was  very  successful,  and  dearly  be- 

51 


52      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

loved  by  both  old  and  young  ;  he  was  also  a  great 
worker  in  the  Sunday-school,  After  being  incapacitated 
for  active  ministerial  work,  his  prayer  was,  "•  Lord,  still 
give  me  something  to  do  for  Thee  I  "  In  answer  to 
this  prayer  he  was  permitted  to  write  many  of  the 
world's  best  known  gospel  poems.  Rev.  W.  O,  Cush- 
ino'  wrote  over  three  hundred  livmns  that  have  been 
set  to  music  by  some  of  the  most  distinguished  com- 
posers of  this  country,  including  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Root,  Rev. 
Robert  Lowry,  Ira  D.  Sankey,  H.  P.  Main  and  others. 
Perhaps  the  most  widely  known  of  his  hymns  are  the 
following:  "Ring  the  Bells  of  Heaven,"  "We  are 
Waiting,  We  are  Watching,"  "When  He  Cometh," 
"  Hiding  in  Thee,"  "  Do  They  Know  ?  "  "  There'll  be 
no  Dark  Yalley,"  "  When  Jesus  Comes,"  "  Down  in  the 
Valley,"  "  Beautiful  Yalley  of  Eden,"  "  I  am  Waiting 
by  the  River,"  "  The  Name  of  Jesus,"  "  Fair  is  the 
Morning  Land,"  "  Gathering  Home  to  the  Silent  Shore," 
Children's  Day  service — "  Floral  Praise."  His  hymns 
have  added  a  rich  contribution  to  American  hymnology, 
and  are  sung  wherever  the  gospel  in  song  may  be 
found. 

Mr.  Gushing  was  a  most  noble,  SAveet  spirited  Chris- 
tian gentleman.  To  know  him  was  to  love  him.  He 
was  ever  mindful  of  the  suffering  of  others,  but  was 
oblivious  to  his  own.  It  was  a  characteristic  of  his  life 
to  minister  to  the  wants  of  others,  and  trust  the  Lord 
to  supply  his  own.  At  one  time  he  gave  a  thousand 
dollars,  which  was  all  he  had,  to  a  blind  girl  that  she 
might  secure  an  education.  He  was  instrumental  in 
the  erection  of  the  Seminary  at  Starkey,  N.  Y.,  and 
also  gave  material  aid  to  the  school  for  the  blind  at 
Batavia. 


REV.  W.  O.  GUSHING  63 

Mr.  Gushing  was  poor  in  parse,  but  rich  in  spirit ; 
homeless,  but  not  friendless.  The  last  thirteen  years  of 
his  life  were  spent  in  the  home  of  Eev.  and  Mrs.  E.  E. 
Gurtis,  Lisbon  Genter,  K  Y.  While  living  with  these 
good  people,  he  united  with  the  AVesleyan  Methodist 
Ghurch.  He  died  October  19,  1902.  His  life  was  an 
inspiration  to  all  who  knew  him,  and  his  death  was  that 
of  the  righteous. 


MRS.  HARRIET  E.  JONES. 


YII 
Mrs.  Harriet  E.  Jones 

THE  name  of  Harriet  E.  Jones  is  known  and 
honored  by  the  great  army  of  Christian 
workers  in  all  lands.  Wherever  the  gospel 
song  has  gone  her  name  and  influence  have  been  felt. 
And  what  an  honor  it  is  to  have  written  hymns  that 
have  cheered  the  hearts  of  saints  and  called  sinners  to 
repentance  the  world  over,  thus  being  a  "  worker  to- 
gether with  God  "  and  His  chosen  people  in  extending 
His  kingdom  in  the  world  ! 

Mrs.  Jones  deserves  all  the  love  and  esteem  her  good 
work  has  brought  her.  She  is  such  a  true  Christian, 
with  such  a  sunshiny  disposition  that  to  know  her  or  to 
be  associated  with  her  in  any  way  is  to  be  benefited. 
She  has  passed  through  sore  afflictions  and  trials,  but 
these  have  served  to  reveal  to  her  the  goodness  of  God, 
and  to  draw  her  closer  to  Him.  Her  trials  have  really 
sweetened  her  character. 

She  was  the  daughter  of  Eleazer  Rice,  and  was  born 
April  18,  1823.  She  has  always  lived  in  Onondaga 
County,  K.  Y.  Her  post-office  is  Oran.  Her  girl- 
hood was  spent  on  a  farm,  receiving  what  education 
the  country  schools  and  one  term  at  high  school 
afforded.  She  was  always  fond  of  reading,  and  read  a 
great  deal.  From  early  childhood  she  was  a  great 
singer,  being  passionately  fond  of  music  and  possessed 
with  a  clear,  ringing  voice,  and  would  have  distinguished 

55 


56      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

herself  as  a  soloist  if  she  would  have  had  the  advantages 
of  vocal  training.  For  years  she  sang  regularly  in  the 
home  choir. 

On  July  7,  1844,  she  was  married  to  a  son  of  Rev. 
Zenus  Jones.  Mrs.  Jones'  husband  died  in  1879. 
While  passing  through  the  waters  of  affliction  and  sor- 
row she  wrote  some  verses.  They  were  published,  and 
attracted  the  attention  of  Dr.  M.  J.  Munger,  of  Roches- 
ter, N.  Y.,  who  was  at  that  time  compiling  a  book  of 
Sunday-school  songs  with  A.  J.  Abbey.  He  wrote  Mrs. 
Jones,  complimenting  her  on  her  poetry,  and  asked  her 
to  write  some  Sunday-school  hymns  for  him.  She  con- 
sented, and  by  his  help  in  suggesting  topics  and  by 
kindly  criticisms  and  hints  she  made  a  success  of  it. 

She  next  wrote  for  Mr.  D.  B.  Towner,  J.  C.  Ewing 
and  Fillmore  Brothers,  and  from  that  she  received  calls 
from  almost  all  the  composers  and  publishers,  so  that 
now  her  hymns  are  found  in  all  the  best  gospel  and 
Sunday-school  song  books. 

Mrs.  Jones  is  an  enthusiastic  Methodist  and  Prohibi- 
tionist. For  many  3^ears  she  has  been  closely  confined 
to  her  home  by  the  care  of  an  invalid  son,  but  she  never 
complains,  but  writes  hymns,  and  sings  the  tunes  that 
various  composers  set  to  them,  and  rejoices  at  the  kind 
words  that  come  to  her  from  many  sources  testifying  to 
the  great  happiness  others  receive  from  her  inspirations. 

Among  the  many  popular  hjanns  she  has  written 
we  mention  "Redeemed."  These  words  express  her 
experience  when  she  was  converted.  They  abound 
in  exclamations  of  joy  and  rapture,  just  the  kind  to 
inspire  the  most  popular  music.  Mr.  D.  B.  Towner 
caught  its  inspiration  for  music,  and  it  has  been  one  of 
his  leading  songs  for  many  years  past.     At  the  great 


MRS.  HARRIET  E.  JONES  57 

Moody  meetings  it  was  v.ery  popular  and  a  general 
favorite.  Other  singing  evangelists  have  used  it  with 
great  power.  Some  others  are  :  "  Blue  Sea  of  Galilee," 
music  by  Davis ;  ''  The  Song  of  Love,"  music  by 
Meredith  ;  "  Harbor  Home  "  and  ''  At  the  Pool  of 
Siloam,"  music  by  Entwisle;  "There  is  Sweet  Rest" 
and  "  Trusting  in  the  Blessed  Christ,"  music  by  Hall. 

We  don't  believe  we  can  close  this  brief  sketch  better 
than  by  quoting  a  paragraph  from  one  of  her  letters : 

"  I  am  trying  in  my  imperfect  way  to  serve  the 
Master,  and  hope  to  live  with  Him  by  and  by,  and  be 
able  to  enjoy  the  sweet  music  for  which  I  have  vainly 
longed  through  the  toilsome,  lonely  years. 

'^  ^  Some  souls  go  hungering  through  the  years, 
And  never  find  the  food  they  seek.' 

But  over  beyond  in  the  home  of  our  God  is  sweet 
fruition.  There  is  the  music  of  ano-els,  fadeless 
flowers,  green  fields,  and  still  waters  and,  what  is 
better,  reunion  with  loved  ones,  sweetest  of  all,  the 
presence  of  the  King  and  the  glad  redemption  song, 
in  which  I  hope  to  join." 


T.  C.  O'KANE. 


VIII 

T.  C.  O'Kane 

AMONG  all  the  popular  gos])el  and  Sunday- 
school  song  writers  of  our  times,  no  one  is 
more  widely  known  or  holds  a  higher  place 
in  the  affections  of  the  Christian  world  than 
T.  C.  O'Kane.  He  was  one  among  the  very  first 
to  strike  out  with  more  freedom  in  his  melodies  and 
rhythms,  and  introduce  the  style  of  songs  that  have 
since  taken  such  a  strong  hold  upon  the  people,  and 
that  have  been  the  great  moving  power  in  religious  re- 
vivals and  o^reat  reli2:ious  convocations. 

Tullius  Clinton  O'Kane  was  born  in  Fairfield  County, 
Ohio,  March  10,  1830.  He  resided  with  his  parents  in 
this  vicinity  until  the  spring  of  1849,  when  he  went  to 
Delaware,  Ohio,  and  entered  the  Ohio  Wesleyan  Uni- 
versity, from  w^hich  he  graduated  in  1852,  with  the 
degree  A.  B.,  and  received  his  A.  M.  degree  three  years 
later  from  his  Alma  Mater. 

Immediately  upon  his  graduation,  he  was  tendered 
a  position  in  the  Faculty  as  Tutor  of  Mathematics, 
which  he  accepted  and  successfully  filled  for  five  yeai's. 
The  students  always  called  him  "  Professor,"  by  whicli 
title  he  is  known  to  the  present  day. 

His  musical  abilities  were  early  recognized  in  the 
University,  and  for  years  he  was  the  musical  precentor 
in  the  daily  chapel  devotions.     He  organized  and  main- 

59 


60      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

tained  a  Choral  Society  in  the  College,  and  was  the  first 
musical  instructor  in  the  Ohio  Wesleyan  Female  Col- 
lege, which  a  few  years  ago  was  incorporated  into  the 
University. 

In  1857  he  was  elected  to  a  principalship  in  the  Cin- 
cinnati public  schools,  and  served  in  that  capacity  until 
186tt,  when  he  resigned  his  position  to  accept  a  place 
in  the  piano  establishment  of  Philip  Phillips  &  Co. 
He  remained  with  this  house  until  its  removal  to 
New  York  City  in  1867,  when,  although  urged  to  be 
transferred  with  the  house  to  that  city,  he  preferred 
to  remove  with  his  family  back  to  Delaware,  Ohio, 
where  he  now  resides. 

For  the  ensuing  six  years  he  travelled  over  the  state 
of  Ohio  as  the  general  agent  for  the  Smith  American 
Organ  Co.,  of  Boston,  Mass.  During  this  time  he 
visited  conferences,  Sunday-school  conventions,  both 
State  and  County,  introducing  his  Sunday-school  sing- 
ing books,  and  in  this  way  became  well  known  through- 
out his  native  state,  and  quite  extensively  in  some  of 
the  adjoining  states. 

His  musical  compositions  were  first  published  in 
Philip  Phillips'  '"Musical  Leaves,"  in  1865,  and  since 
then  but  few  Sunday-school  singing  books  have  ap- 
peared without  one  or  more  of  his  compositions. 

His  first  music  book,  "  Fresh  Leaves,"  was  issued  in 
1868.  This  was  followed  at  intervals  by  "  Dew  Drops," 
"  Songs  of  Worship,"  "  Every  Sabbath,"  "  Jasper  and 
Gold,"  "Redeemer's  Praise,"  "  Glorious  Things"  and 
"  Morning  Stars."  In  connection  with  his  son,  Edward 
T.  O'Kane,  who  is  himself  a  most  excellent  composer 
and  a  very  skillful  organist,  in  1882  he  issued  "Se- 
lected Anthems,"  a  book  designed  for  use  by  the  more 


T.  C.  O'KANE  61 

advanced  choirs.  In  association  with  J.  R.  Sweney 
and  "Chaplain"  McCabe,  he  issued  "Joy  to  the 
World,"  a  song  book  for  prayer-meetings,  and  the 
same  editors,  with  the  addition  of  W.  J.  Kirkpatrick, 
compiled  "  Songs  of  Redeeming  Love,  No.  1,"  in  1882, 
and  No.  2  in  188Y.  He  also  issued  "  Songs  of  Praises," 
"  Unfading  Treasures  "  and  "  Forward  Songs." 

Some  of  Professor  O'Kane's  best  known  songs  are : 
"  Glorious  Fountain,"  "  The  Home  Over  There,"  "  On 
Jordan's  Stormy  Banks,"  "  Say,  are  You  Ready  ?  "  and 
many  others.  With  Mr.  O'Kane,  music  and  musical 
composition  have  ever  been  a  recreation,  rather  than  a 
profession.  He  is  an  excellent  leader  of  choirs,  but 
his  forte  seems  to  be  in  leading  large  congregations, 
Sunday-schools  and  social  religious  meetings  in  sacred 
song.  He  sings  "  with  the  spirit  and  the  understanding 
also  " — with  a  due  appreciation  of  both  words  and 
music — and  very  naturally  infuses  his  enthusiasm  into 
his  audiences  so  that  they  cannot  "  keep  from  singing." 
In  his  music  he  endeavors  to  catch  the  spirit  of  the 
hymn,  and  then  give  it  expression  in  the  music  he  com- 
poses for  it.  This  sometimes  seems  to  have  been  almost 
an  inspiration,  and  could  be  illustrated  by  a  reference 
to  the  circumstances  under  wdiich  many  of  his  composi- 
tions have  been  made. 

One  of  his  earlier  and  more  widely  known  pieces  is 
that  entitled,  "  Over  There."  He  says  he  cut  this  hymn 
out  of  some  newspaper  and  put  it  with  others  in  his 
portfolio,  intending  some  time  when  he  felt  like  it  to 
give  it  a  musical  setting.  One  Sunday  afternoon,  after 
studying  his  lesson  for  the  next  session  of  his  Sunday- 
school,  he  opened  his  portfolio,  and  turning  over  the 
selections,  found  these  words,  and  something  seemed  to 


62      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  AYRITERS 

say,  "  Now's  your  time."  He  sat  down  at  the  organ, 
studied  the  hymn  intently  for  a  few  moments,  and  then, 
as  his  fingers  touched  the  keys  of  the  instrument,  mel- 
ody and  harmony  were  in  every  movement,  and  when 
the  stanza  was  ended,  melody  and  harmony  found  their 
expression  in  the  chorus,  and  "  Over  There "  was 
finished. 

Another  of  his  well  known  songs  is  "  Sweeping 
Through  the  Gates."  One  cold,  blustery  day  he  had 
occasion  to  go  from  his  residence  to  the  railroad  depot, 
about  a  mile  distant,  and  in  his  route  had  to  cross  the 
river  on  a  suspension  foot-bridge.  As  he  came  down  to 
the  bridge,  he  thought  of  the  "  river  of  death,"  so  cold, 
with  no  bridge,  and  then  the  words  of  the  dying  Cook- 
man  came  to  his  mind,  and  he  exclaimed  to  himself : 

''  Who,  who  are  these  beside  the  chilly  wave"?  " 

Words,  melody  and  refrain  seemed  to  come  all  at  once 
and  all  together,  so  that  by  the  time  he  arrived  back 
at  his  home,  the  composition  was  complete. 

Professor  O'Kane  is  a  genial,  modest.  Christian  gen- 
tleman, who  carries  sunshine  wherever  he  goes.  His 
greatest  joy  comes  from  the  consciousness  that  his  mu- 
sic has  cheered  and  comforted  the  hearts  of  Christian 
people  all  over  the  world,  and  has  been  the  means  of 
winning  thousands  from  the  pleasures  of  the  world  to 
the  higher  enjoyments  of  the  Christian  religion.  His 
song,  "  Sweeping  Through  the  Gates,"  will  be  sung  till 
all  the  ransomed  are  gathered  "  Over  There." 


Note. — Soon  after  we  had  finished  the  above  sketch  Prof,  T.  C. 
O'Kane  passed  away  quite  suddenly  at  the  home  of  his  son,  Mr.  E.  T. 
O'Kane. 


T.  C.  Ol^ANE  63 

On  the  morning  of  February  10,  1912,  immediately  after  family  de- 
votions, in  which  Professor  O'Kane  led  and  closing  with  the  Lord's 
Prayer,  he  started  for  his  room  when  heart  failure  seized  him  and  he 
fell  unconscious  and  in  a  few  minutes  his  spirit  had  taken  its  flight  to 
his  "Home  Over  There."  How  beautiful  and  peculiarly  appropriate 
that  he  went  home  with  the  "  Amen  "  of  his  Master's  great  prayer  as 
his  last  spoken  word. 


T.   E.   PERKINS. 


IX 

Theodore  E.  Perkins 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  at  Pough- 
keepsie,  on  the  Hudson,  K  Y.,  July  21,  1831. 
His  father  was  a  Baptist  clergyman.  The 
family  of  ten  brothers  and  sisters  sang  and  played 
various  instruments,  forming  among  themselves  both 
choir  and  orchestra.  His  musical  education  began  at 
the  early  age  of  three  years.  During  his  father's  pas- 
torate at  Hamilton,  IS^.  Y.,  the  choir  rehearsals  were 
often  held  at  the  parsonage,  and  the  leader  used  to 
place  the  three-year-old  on  a  small  stool,  on  the  table 
around  which  the  choir  was  assembled,  giving  him  a 
chance  to  both  see  and  hear.  Later  on  he  played  the 
violincello  in  church,  standing  on  a  stool  in  order  to 
finger  the  instrument. 

The  home  gatherings — especially  on  Thanksgiving 
Day,  are  the  recollections  among  the  happiest  of  his 
childhood.  His  father  became  pastor  of  the  Berean 
Baptist  Church  in  Xew  York  City,  in  1839,  giving  him 
the  opportunity  of  studying  the  pianoforte,  of  which 
he  became  a  proficient  player.  His  fine  alto  voice  soon 
gave  him  notoriety.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  while  fill- 
ing a  position  as  clerk  in  Kew  York,  all  his  spare  time 
was  given  to  the  study  of  voice  and  piano.  In  1851  he 
Avent  to  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  taught  music  in  Madison 
University  (now  Colgate),  and  in  the  Female  Seminary. 

65 


6Q      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

In  1854  he  went  to  Port  Jervis,  N.  Y.,  where  he  taught 
singing  school,  and  April  30, 1855,  married  Mary  Fran- 
ces Caskey,  Avho  was  for  years  his  soprano  soloist  in 
many  musical  Festivals  and  Conventions.  Soon  after 
marriage  he  removed  to  Salem,  N.  J.,  where  his  life- 
work  as  singing  school  teacher  really  began,  including 
Bridgeton  and  prominent  towns  in  southern  New 
Jersey.  During  the  summer  of  1856  he  and  his  wife 
were  pupils  of  the  Normal  Academy  of  Music  at  North 
Reading,  Mass.,  conducted  by  Drs.  Lowell  Mason  and 
Geo.  F.  Root.  During  185Y-1858  he  was  given  the 
position  of  assistant  teacher  and  manager.  His  asso- 
ciation with  these  two  great  men  gave  an  inspiration  to 
all  his  future  work. 

In  1859  he  was  co-principal  Avith  Wm.  B.  Bradbury 
at  the  Normal  Academy  of  Music,  Geneseo,  N.  Y.  He 
remained  at  Geneseo  until  1863.  Professor  Perkins 
also  held  very  successful  schools  in  North  Pelham 
Province  of  Ontario,  Canada,  and  in  1864-1868  was 
principal  in  schools  at  Tunkhannock  and  Meadville,  Pa. 

In  1860,  "The  Olive  Branch,"  his  first  book  of 
church  music,  was  published  by  F.  J.  Huntington,  New 
York  City,  the  sales  reaching  100,000.  Next  was 
"Oriental,"  which  sold  over  30,000.  "The  Union," 
"  Glees  and  Anthems,"  and  "  Sabbath  Anthems,"  fol- 
lowed ;  then  "  The  Sacred  Lute,"  which  sold  over  300,- 
000.  His  Sunday-school  books  commenced  with  "  The 
Evergreen,"  followed  by  the  "  Shining  Star "  and 
"  New  Shining  Star."  Then  came  "  Psalm  King," 
which  was  the  last  of  the  books  published  by  Mr. 
Huntington.  "  Hallowed  Songs  "  was  published  by 
Philip  Phillips  ;  "  The  Sunday  School  Banner  "  was 
published  by  Wm.  B.  Bradbury.     "  The  Royal  Stand- 


THEODORE  E.  PERKINS  6Y 

ard  "  was  published  in  Toronto,  Canada.  '^  The  Golden 
Promise,"  "  Sabbath  Carols,"  "  The  Mount  Zion  Col- 
lection "  were  published  under  his  own  supervision. 
His  "  Free  Sunday  School  Songs "  several  times 
numbered  over  500,000  a  month.  "  Coronation  Songs  " 
with  Rev.  Dr.  Deems  as  hymn  editor  was  published  by 
A.  S.  Barnes  <fe  Co.,  who  also  published  "  Psalms  and 
Hymns  and  Spiritual  Songs,"  in  which  Dr.  C.  S.  Robin- 
son was  hymn  editor,  who  with  Professor  Perkins 
edited  "  Calvary  Songs,"  published  by  the  American 
S.  S.  Union.  "  Gospel  Tent  Songs  "  was  evangelical. 
"  The  Safe-Guard  Singer  "  was  his  temperance  book. 

Mr.  Perkins  was  musical  director  in  the  following 
churches  in  Brooklyn  :  The  Lafayette  Avenue  Presby- 
terian Church,  Rev.  Dr.  Cuyler  ;  Strong  Place  Baptist 
Church,  Rev.  E.  E.  L.  Taylor,  D.  D. ;  Madison  Avenue 
Baptist  Church,  Rev.  H.  G.  Weston,  D.  D.,  L.  L.  D.  ; 
Fifth  Avenue  Presbyterian  Church,  Rev.  Dr.  Rice,  fol- 
lowed by  Dr.  John  Hall ;  The  Memorial  Presbyterian 
Church,  Rev.  Dr.  C.  S.  Robinson,  who  was  his  close 
friend;  The  Church  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  Rev.  Dr. 
Tyng,  Jr.  ;  Trinity  Baptist  Church,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  B.  Sim- 
mons, and  Washington  Square  M.  E.  Church. 

In  Philadelphia  :  The  Fifth  Baptist  Church,  Rev.  Dr. 
Chase ;  The  Eleventh  Baptist  Church,  Rev.  Dr.  Col- 
man  ;  The  Tabernacle  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  George 
Gaul,  D.  D.  He  was  leader  and  singer  in  Evangelistic 
Services,  at  the  Rink,  The  Old  Madison  Square 
Garden  and  Cooper  Union,  all  of  New  York  City. 
The  music  of  the  first  great  meeting  of  the  world's 
Evangelical  Alliance,  held  for  ten  days  in  New  York 
City,  was  under  his  direction,  as  was  the  first  National 
Sunday  School  convention,  held  in  Newark,  N.  J.     He 


68      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  AVRITERS 

was  also  conductor  at  the  Golden  Anniversary  of  the 
Female  Guardian  Society,  leading  a  chorus  of  forty- 
two  hundred  children.  In  the  opening  ciiorus,  *'  Great 
is  the  Lord,"  by  Dr.  Calcott,  the  word  "Great"  was 
given  with  so  much  decision  and  power  that  the  clergy- 
men on  the  platform  sprang  to  their  feet  and  remained 
standing  until  the  chorus  was  finished. 

He  taught  voice  culture  in  Princeton  and  Lafayette 
Universities,  The  Union  Theological  Seminary,  New 
York  City;  Crozer  Seminary,  Chester,  Pa.,  and  or- 
ganized the  music  department  of  Temple  University, 
Philadelphia,  continuing  in  charge  four  years.  He  had 
charge  of  the  children's  choir  of  Howard  Mission,  New 
York  City,  for  twenty-five  years,  and  thinks  that  some 
of  the  happiest  and  most  restful  of  the  working  hours 
were  spent  in  teaching  the  poor  children  of  the  fourth 
and  sixth  wards  to  sing  the  Gospel.  Mr.  Sankey  said 
to  Mr.  Perkins  that  " '  Jesus  of  Nazareth '  was  my 
banner  song  for  eight  years."  "  Jesus  is  Mine  "  has  been 
sung  at  the  Christian's  death-bed,  the  grave,  and  once 
as  the  convict  was  going  to  the  scaffold. 

His  "  Christmas  Carol  Sweetly  Carol "  had  a  very 
large  sale  in  this  country,  and  was  republished  m  Eng- 
land, France,  Italy,  and  Germany. 

For  a  period  of  foi^ty  years  he  has  made  the  study  of 
the  voice  special  work.  The  most  thorough  investiga- 
tions of  the  voice  and  its  possibilities  were  made  with 
the  assistance  of  the  late  John  Howard,  extending  over 
a  period  of  twenty-five  years,  during  which  he  has  had 
the  care  of  over  two  thousand  voices.  He  published  a 
work  entitled,  "Physiological  Yoice  Culture,"  edited 
by  his  son,  the  late  T.  Edward  Perkins,  M.  D.,  physi- 
cian and  throat  specialist  of  Philadelphia.     Mr.  Perkins 


THEODORE  E.  PERKINS  69 

at  this  writing  has  just  completed  a  method  of  voice 
culture  based  on  the  principles  of  John  Howard's 
"  Physiology  of  Artistic  Singing." 

During  these  years  of  work  he  has  found  time  to  edit 
thirty-four  books  of  church,  Sunday-school,  day-school, 
and  glee  music,  the  larger  portion  having  been  previ- 
ously mentioned.  Also  songs  and  ballads  in  sheet 
form,  and  a  cantata  entitled,  "  The  Excursion,"  libretto 
by  Fanny  Crosby,  with  whom  there  has  existed  an  un- 
broken friendship  for  over  forty  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Perkins  celebrated  their  golden  wedding  anniversary 
April  30,  1905. 

Prof.  T.  E.  Perkins  will  be  remembered  many  years 
hence  by  his  sweet,  inspiring  gospel  songs. 


REV.  ROBERT  LOWRY. 


Rev.  Robert  Lowry,  D.  D. 

THE  name  of  Kev.  Eobert  Lowry  is  a  familiar 
one  in  almost  every  home  where  gospel  songs 
are  sung.  The  mention  of  his  name  brings  up 
emotions  of  affection  and  pleasure  in  the  hearts  of 
thousands  of  Christian  people  Avho  have  used  his  hymns. 

Robert  Lowry  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  March  12, 
1826.  His  fondness  for  music  was  exhibited  in  his 
earliest  years.  As  a  child  he  amused  himself  with  the 
various  musical  instruments  that  came  into  his  hands. 
At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  joined  the  First  Baptist 
Church  of  Philadelphia,  and  soon  became  an  active 
worker  in  the  Sunday-school  as  teacher  and  chorister. 
At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  gave  himself  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  and  entered  upon  a  course  of  study 
at  the  University  of  Lewisburg,  Pa.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-eight  he  was  graduated  with  the  highest 
honors  of  his  class.  In  the  same  year  of  his  gradua- 
tion, he  entered  upon  the  work  of  the  ministry.  He 
served  as  pastor  at  AVest  Chester,  Pa.,  185-1-1858  ;  in 
New  York  City,  1859-1861  ;  in  Brooklyn,  1861-1869  ; 
in  Lewisburg,  Pa.,  1869-1875.  While  pastor  at  Lewis- 
burg, he  was  also  professor  of  belles  lettres  in  the 
University,  and  receiv^ed  the  honorary  degree  of  D.  D. 
in  1875.  " 

He  then  went  to  Plainfield,  N.  J.,  where  he  became 

71 


72      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

pastor  of  Park  Avenue  Church.  In  each  of  these  fields 
his  work  was  crowned  with  marked  success. 

Dr.  Lowry  was  a  man  of  rare  administrative  ability, 
a  most  excellent  preacher,  a  thorough  Bible  student, 
and  whether  in  the  pulpit  or  upon  the  platform,  always 
a  brilliant  and  interesting  speaker.  He  was  of  a  genial 
and  pleasing  disposition,  and  a  high  sense  of  humor 
was  one  of  his  most  striking  characteristics.  Very  few 
men  had  greater  ability  in  painting  pictures  from  the 
imagination.  He  could  thrill  an  audience  with  his 
vivid  descriptions,  inspiring  others  with  the  same 
thoughts  that  inspired  him. 

His  melodies  are  sung  in  every  civilized  land,  and 
many  of  his  hymns  have  been  translated  into  foreign 
tongues.  While  preaching  the  Gospel,  in  w^hich  he 
found  great  joy,  was  his  life-work,  music  and  hymn- 
ology  Avere  favorite  studies,  but  were  always  a  side 
issue,  a  recreation. 

In  the  year  1880,  he  took  a  rest  of  four  years,  visit- 
ing Europe.  In  1885  he  felt  that  he  needed  more  rest, 
and  resigned  his  pastorate  at  Plainfield,  and  visited  in 
the  South  and  West,  also  spending  some  time  in  Mexico. 
He  returned,  much  improved  in  health,  and  again  took 
up  his  work  in  Plainfield. 

On  the  death  of  Wm.  B.  Bradbury,  Messrs.  Biglow 
&  Main,  successors  to  Mr.  Bradbury  in  the  publishing- 
business,  selected  Dr.  Lowry  for  editor  of  their  Sunday- 
school  book,  "  Bright  Jewels,"  which  was  a  great  suc- 
cess. Subsequently  Dr.  W.  IL  Doane  was  associated 
with  him  in  the  issue  of  the  Sundaj^-school  song  book, 
"  Pure  Gold,"  the  sales  of  which  exceeded  a  million 
copies.  Then  came  "  Royal  Diadem,"  "  Welcome  Tid- 
ings," "  Brightest  and  Best,"  ''  Glad  Refrain,"  "  Good 


REV.  IIOBERT  LOWRY,  D.  D,  T3 

as  Gold,"  ''  Joyful  Lays,"  "  Fountain  of  Song,"  "  Bright 
Array,"  "  Temple  Anthems,"  and  numerous  other  vol- 
umes. Tiie  good  quality  of  their  books  did  much  to 
stimulate  the  cause  of  sacred  song  in  this  country. 

When  he  saw  that  the  obligations  of  musical  editor- 
ship were  laid  upon  him,  he  began  the  study  of  music 
in  earnest,  and  sought  the  best  musical  text-books  and 
works  on  the  higliest  forms  of  musical  composition. 
He  possessed  one  of  the  finest  musical  libraries  in  the 
country.  It  abounded  in  works  on  the  philosophy  and 
science  of  musical  sounds.  He  also  had  some  musical 
Avorks  in  his  possession  that  were  over  one  hundred  and 
fifty  years  old. 

One  of  his  labors  of  love  some  years  ago  was  an  at- 
tempt to  reduce  music  to  a  mathematical  basis.  On  the 
established  fact  that  Middle  C  has  two  hundred  and 
fifty-six  vibrations  per  second,  he  prepared  a  scale  and 
went  to  work  on  the  rule  of  three.  After  infinite  cal- 
culation and  repeated  experiments,  he  carried  it  far 
enough  to  discover  that  it  w^ould  not  work. 

A  reporter  once  asked  him  what  was  his  method  of 
composition — "  Do  you  write  the  w^ords  to  fit  the  music, 
or  the  music  to  fit  the  words  ?  "  His  reply  was :  "I 
have  no  method.  Sometimes  the  music  comes  and  the 
words  follow,  fitted  insensibly  to  the  melody.  I  watch 
my  moods,  and  when  anything  good  strikes  me,  w^hether 
words  or  music,  and  no  matter  where  I  am,  at  home  or 
on  the  street,  I  jot  it  down.  Often  the  margin  of  a 
newspaper  or  the  back  of  an  envelope  serves  as  a  note- 
book. My  brain  is  a  sort  of  spinning  machine,  I  think, 
for  there  is  music  running  through  it  all  the  time.  I 
do  not  pick  out  my  music  on  the  keys  of  an  instrument. 
The  tunes  of  nearlv  all  the  hvmns  I  have  written  have 


74      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

been  completed  on  paper  before  I  tried  them  on  the 
organ.  Frequently  the  words  of  the  hymn  and  the 
music  have  been  written  at  the  same  time." 

The  Doctor  frequently  said  that  he  regarded  "  Weep, 
ing  Will  Not  Save  Me  "  as  the  best  and  most  evangelis- 
tic hymn  he  ever  wrote.  The  following  are  some  of 
his  most  popular  and  sweetest  gospel  melodies  :  "  Shall 
We  Gather  at  the  River  ?  "  "  One  More  Day's  Work  for 
Jesus,"  "  AVhere  is  My  Wandering  Boy  To-night  ? " 
"  I  Need  Thee  Every  Hour,"  "  The  Mistakes  of  My 
Life,"  "How  Can  I  Keep  from  Singing?"  "  All  the 
Way  My  Saviour  Leads  Me,"  "  Saviour,  Thy  Dying 
Love,"  "  We're  Marching  to  Zion,"  etc.  "  Shall  We 
Gather  at  the  River  ?  "  is  perhaps,  without  question,  the 
most  widely  popular  of  all  his  songs.  Of  this  Mr. 
Lowry  said :  "  It  is  brass  band  music,  has  a  march 
movement,  and  for  that  reason  has  become  popular, 
though  for  myself  I  do  not  think  much  of  it."  Yet  he 
tells  us  how,  on  several  occasions,  he  had  been  deeply 
moved  by  the  singing  of  that  hymn.  "  Going  from 
Harrisburg  to  Lewisburg  once  I  got  into  a  car  filled 
with  half -drunken  lumbermen.  Suddenly  one  of  them 
struck  up,  '  Shall  We  Gather  at  the  River  ? '  and  they 
sang  it  over  and  over  again,  repeating  the  chorus  in  a 
wild,  boisterous  way.  I  did  not  think  so  much  of  the 
music  then  as  I  listened  to  those  singers,  but  I  did 
think  that  perhaps  the  spirit  of  the  hymn,  the  words  so 
flippantly  uttered,  might  somehow  survive  and  be  car- 
ried forward  into  the  lives  of  those  careless  men,  and 
ultimately  lift  them  upward  to  the  realization  of  the 
hope  expressed  in  my  hymn."  "  A  different  apprecia- 
tion of  it  was  evinced  during  the  Robert  Raikes'  Cen- 
tennial.    I  was  in  London,  and  had  gone  to  meeting  in 


REV.  ROBERT  LOWRY,  D.  D.  Y5 

the  Old  Bailey  to  see  some  of  the  most  famous  Sunday- 
school  workers  in  the  world.  They  were  present  from 
Europe,  Asia,  and  America.  I  sat  in  a  rear  seat  alone. 
After  there  had  been  a  number  of  addresses  delivered 
in  various  languages,  I  was  preparing  to  leave,  when 
the  chairman  of  the  meeting  announced  that  the  author 
of  *  Shall  We  Gather  at  the  River  ?  '  was  present,  and 
I  was  requested  by  name  to  come  forward.  Men  ap- 
plauded and  women  waved  their  handkerchiefs  as  I 
went  to  the  platform.  It  was  a  tribute  to  the  hymn ;  but 
I  felt,  when  it  was  over,  that,  after  all,  I  had  perhaps  done 
some  little  good  in  the  world,  and  I  felt  more  than  ever 
content  to  die  when  God  called."  On  Children's  Day 
in  Brooklyn,  in  1865,  this  song  was  sung  by  over  forty 
thousand  voices. 

While  Dr.  Lowry  said,  "I  would  rather  preach  a 
gospel  sermon  to  an  appreciative,  receptive  congrega- 
tion than  write  a  hymn,"  yet  in  spite  of  his  preferences, 
his  hymns  have  gone  on  and  on,  translated  into  many 
languages,  preaching  and  comforting  thousands  upon 
thousands  of  souls,  furnishing  them  expression  for  their 
deepest  feelings  of  praise  and  gratitude  to  God  for  His 
goodness  to  the  children  of  men.  What  he  had  thought 
in  his  inmost  soul  has  become  a  part  of  the  emotions  of 
the  whole  Christian  world.     We  are  all  his  debtors. 

Rev.  Robert  Lowry,  D.  D.,  died  at  his  residence  in 
Plainfield,  K  J.,  N^ovember  25,  1899.  Dead,  yet  he 
lives  and  his  sermons  in  gospel  song  are  still  heard  and 
are  doing  good.  Dr.  Lowry  was  a  great  and  good  man, 
and  his  life,  well  spent,  is  highly  worthy  of  a  place 
among  the  world's  greatest  gospel  song  and  hymn 
writers. 


DR.    W.    H.    DOANE. 


XI 

Dr.  W.  H.  Doane 

THERE  is  scarcely  a  place  on  earth  where  civi- 
lization has  pushed  its  way  that  the  influence 
of  Dr.  Doane  has  not  been  felt.  To  almost 
every  soul  in  civilized  countries,  some  of  his  songs  are 
familiar,  and  as  it  is  the  Christian  missionary  chiefly 
who  extends  our  civilization,  we  doubt  if  any  of  late 
years  have  gone  forth  to  the  foreign  field  without 
some  of  Dr.  Doane's  songs  as  a  part  of  his  equipment. 

It  is  one  of  the  marvellous  things  of  this  age  that  the 
work  of  man,  if  it  be  meritorious,  may  have  an  influence 
on  the  whole  world.  If  he  invents  a  valuable  tool  or 
machine,  its  use  is  not  limited  to  any  one  country.  If 
he  writes  a  beautiful  story  or  song,  it  is  translated  into 
many  languages,  and  its  echoes  go  from  lip  to  lip 
"  the  earth  around."  Thus  it  is  with  the  music  that 
Dr.  Doane  has  written  ;  it  has  been  carried  to  all  lands 
where  music  is  enjoyed,  and  translated  into  almost  all 
tongues.  While  some  of  the  millions  who  sing  his 
music  may  not  know  his  nam^e,  yet  the  consciousness  on 
his  part  that  he  has  added  to  their  happiness,  and  fur- 
nished to  their  emotions  wings  on  which  are  borne  their 
praises  and  petitions  to  our  common  Father,  should  be 
glory  enough  for  him.  Almost  any  of  us  would  be 
content  to  say,  *'  Now  lettest  Thou  Thy  servant  depart 
in  peace,"  could  we  take  such  a  view  of  the  influences  of 
our  work. 

77 


78      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

William  Howard  Doane  was  born  February  3,  1832, 
in  Preston,  Conn.  His  father  was  head  of  the  firm  of 
Doane  &  Treat,  cotton  manufacturers.  At  the  early 
age  of  fourteen  years  he  was  the  chosen  leader  of  the 
choir  of  Woodstock  Academy,  a  Congregational  school, 
where  he  had  been  placed  by  his  father.  During  the 
last  year  of  his  stay  there  he  was  converted.  His 
mother  being  a  Baptist,  he  united  with  that  church  at 
Norwich,  Conn.  In  1847  he  became  a  clerk  in  his 
father's  office,  and  three  years  later  engaged  himself 
with  the  firm  of  J.  A.  Fay  &  Co.,  manufacturers  of 
wood-working  machinery,  whose  principal  office  was 
then  at  Norwich,  Conn.  In  1860  he  became  the  manag- 
ing partner  of  the  firm,  with  headquarters  in  Cincinnati, 
where  he  has  since  resided.  At  the  death  of  the  senior 
partner,  the  firm  became  an  incorporated  company,  of 
which  he  was  made  president.  It  is  one  of  the  most 
extensive  businesses  in  its  line,  having  connections  in 
many  of  the  principal  mercantile  centres  of  the  world. 
With  such  large  business  interests  in  his  charge  it 
would  seem  remarkable  that  he  should  have  gained 
such  eminence  in  music.  But  music  was  in  him  and  it 
must  find  expression.  It  would  not  be  smothered,  hence 
at  every  stage  of  his  career  we  find  it  asserting  itself. 
He  composed  his  first  piece  of  music  in  his  sixteenth 
year.  In  1852  he  Avas  conductor  of  the  Norwich 
Harmonic  Society.  In  1862  his  first  book  appeared, 
entitled,  "  Sabbath  School  Gems,"  followed  in  1864  by 
"  Little  Sunbeams,"  and  in  1867  came  that  notable 
book,  "  Silver  Spray,"  which  perhaps  was  the  most 
popular  Sunday-school  book  of  its  day.  Then  followed, 
in  1868,  "  Songs  of  Devotion,"  for  use  in  churches,  which 
was  very  popular.     He   then   became  associated  with 


DR.  ^y.  H.  DOANE  79 

Rev.  Robert  Lowry  in  many  musical  works,  most  of 
which  were  issued  by  Messrs.  Biglow  &  Main,  New  York. 

Dr.  Doane  is  justly  celebrated  on  account  of  his 
Christmas  cantatas.  He  fairly  popularized  the  Christ- 
mas cantata  business  by  the  issue  of  one  entitled, 
"  Santa  Claus,"  some  years  ago.  The  circulation  of 
books  bearing  his  name  has  been  world-wide,  and  the 
copies  sold  are  counted  by  the  millions. 

Dr.  Doane  is  of  medium  height,  nervous  tempera- 
ment, and  rapid  in  all  of  his  movements  ;  always  cheer- 
ful, warm-hearted  and  generous.  Coupled  with  his 
educational  attainments  and  ripe  business  experience  he 
is  a  lover  of  home,  church,  and  country  that  has  en- 
deared him  to  lovers  of  American  institutions  wherever 
he  is  known. 

He  has  a  beautiful  residence  on  Mount  Auburn,  one 
of  the  Cincinnati  hills,  where  he  lives  in  happiness  with 
the  wife  of  his  youth  (she  being  the  daughter  of  his 
father's  former  partner),  and  two  accomplished  daugh- 
ters. 

His  study,  or  music  room,  is  a  unique  feature  of  his 
home.  It  is  as  complete  in  all  respects  as  taste,  culture, 
research,  and  money  can  make  it.  As  you  enter  it, 
over  the  door  in  the  transom  is  wrought  in  ground  glass 
in  musical  characters  the  opening  strains  of  "  Home, 
Sweet  Home."  On  the  ceiling  inside,  at  various  points, 
are  frescoed  bits  of  celebrated  musical  compositions 
beautifully  and  artistically  arranged.  Fine  pictures, 
mostly  of  musical  subjects,  adorn  the  walls,  with  a  most 
extensive  collection  of  antique  instruments  from  Egyj^t, 
Mexico,  Burmah,  Japan,  Africa,  Russia,  Turkey,  and 
Syria,  some  of  which  are  said  to  be  several  hundred 
years  old.     And  here  is  a  grand  pipe  organ,  run  by  a 


80      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

water  motor,  and  over  the  organ,  in  fresco,  four 
measures  of  the  "  Hallelujah  Chorus."  There  are  also 
pianos,  a  cabinet  organ,  harp  and  all  modern  instru- 
ments. The  library  is  exceptionally  fine,  and  one  of 
the  largest  in  the  country,  containing  vellum  manuscript 
dating  from  the  eightli  century,  facsimiles  of  the 
original  score  of  Handel's  Messiah,  and  original  manu- 
script and  autographs  of  nearly  all  the  old  masters,  in- 
cluding Beethoven,  Mendelssohn,  Mozart,  Handel, 
Meyerbeer,  and  also  Dr.  Lowell  Mason,  Dr.  Thomas 
Hastings,  Wm.  B.  Bradbury,  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Root,  P.  P. 
Bliss,  Rev.  Robert  Lowry,  and  other  American  com- 
posers. 

Dr.  Doane  is  an  active  member  of  the  Mount 
Auburn  Baptist  Church,  Cincinnati,  and  for  several 
years  has  been  superintendent  of  its  flourishing  Sun- 
day-school, one  of  the  largest  in  the  city.  Some  time 
since  he  and  his  family  spent  nearly  two  years  in 
Europe,  visiting  the  Holy  Land,  the  occasion  being  the 
exhibiting  of  some  of  his  machinery  at  an  European  ex- 
position, on  which,  by  the  way,  he  took  the  highest  award. 
The  Mount  Auburn  Sunday-school  gave  a  "  welcom- 
ing" service  on  his  return.  It  was  a  splendid  affair. 
The  schoolroom  was  tastefully  decorated,  and  on  the 
platform  sat  a  large  floral  ship  named  the  "  Majestic," 
in  honor  of  the  one  that  had  brought  the  Doctor  and 
his  family  over  the  ocean  on  their  return,  and  when  he 
came  in  they  all — little  and  big — gave  him  the  Chau- 
tauqua salute,  and  proceeded  with  a  specially  prepared 
service  that  was  unique  and  beautiful.  The  demonstra- 
tions were  universal  and  hearty,  and  showed  that  their 
superintendent  had  a  warm  place  in  their  hearts. 

Dr.  Doane  is  a  liberal  man.     Among  his  benefactions 


DR.  W.  H.  DOANE  81 

are  "  Doane  Hall  "  and  Doane  Academy  of  Denison 
University  ;  and  he  and  the  late  Mr.  John  Church, 
of  the  John  Church  Co.,  donated  from  the  receipts 
of  the  "  Silver  Spray  "  money  to  purchase  the  large 
pipe  organ  in  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Hall  in  Cincinnati. 
The  organ  is  called  "  Silver  Spray."  Dr.  Doane  is 
an  active  member  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and  one  of  its 
active  supporters. 

He  writes  his  music  at  home  of  evenings.  Yet  he 
carries  his  little  note-book  with  him,  so  as  to  be  pre- 
pared to  note  down,  wherever  he  may  be,  the  in- 
spirations that  may  come  to  him.  His  style  of  music 
is  peculiarly  his  own,  and  shows  great  versatility  of 
talent. 

Dr.  Doane  has  compiled  some  forty  books,  and  has 
written  about  twenty-three  hundred  songs,  ballads,  can- 
tatas, etc.,  also  a  number  of  vocal  and  piano  pieces  in 
sheet  form.  Some  of  his  most  popular  pieces  are : 
"  Safe  in  the  Arms  of  Jesus,"  "  The  Old,  Old  Story," 
"Pass  Me  Not,"  "A  Few  More  Marchings,"  "More 
Love  to  Thee,  O  Christ,"  "  Every  Day  and  Hour," 
"  Rescue  the  Perishing,"  "  Near  the  Cross,"  "  Draw  Me 
Nearer,"  "Will  He  Find  Us  Watching,"  and  many 
others. 

In  1875  Denison  Universit}^  bestowed  upon  him  the 
title  of  Doctor  of  Music. 

While  the  Doctor  is  well  advanced  in  years,  he  is 
still  active  and  enthusiastic.  May  he  live  long  to 
fill  his  important  place  at  home,  and  to  contribute 
of  his  talent  and  genius  to  his  larger  field — the  world. 


DR.   H.   S.   PERKINS. 


XII 

Dr.  H.  S.  Perkins 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Henry  Southwick 
Perkins,  was  born  March  20,  1833,  in  Stock- 
bridge,  Vermont.  He  inherited  his  musical 
talent  from  his  parents,  his  father  being  a  noted  sing- 
ing teacher  and  his  mother  an  excellent  vocalist.  His 
first  musical  instruction  was  received  from  his  father. 
He  attended  some  of  the  best  literary  schools  in  his 
youthful  days.  His  regular  course  of  study  in  music 
for  a  profession  was  commenced  in  1857,  at  Avhich  time 
he  entered  the  Boston  Music  School,  graduating  in  1861. 
His  specialties  as  a  student  were  voice,  harmony,  theory 
and  composition,  yet  he  gave  considerable  attention 
to  the  piano,  violin  and  other  instruments. 

Being  especially  fitted  by  nature  and  study  for  con- 
ducting and  instructing  large  bodies  of  singers.  Dr. 
Perkins  devoted  considerable  of  the  time  for  over 
twenty  years  to  conducting  musical  festivals  and  con- 
ventions throughout  the  country  from  Maine  to  Cali- 
fornia— several  hundred — and  in  the  teaching  of  normal 
music  schools,  which  w^ere  held  in  the  states  of  New 
York,  Ohio,  Indiana,  AVisconsin,  Iowa,  Colorado,  Kansas 
and  Texas.  In  1867-1869  he  was  Professor  of  Music 
in  the  University  of  Iowa,  and  was  principal  of  the 
Iowa  Academy  of  Music  at  Iowa  City  for  five  con- 
secutive years,  also  of  the  Kansas  Xormal  Music  School 
for  five  consecutive  summers.     Several  years  ago  he 

83 


84      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

received  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of  Music.  As 
a  composer  of  vocal  music  for  the  choir,  the  Sunday- 
school,  the  class,  the  public  school,  the  choral  society, 
convention  and  festival,  Dr.  Perkins  has  been  con- 
spicuous for  many  years,  having  edited  many  books, 
composed  songs,  quartets,  etc.,  which  have  become 
popular   and    met   with  a  large  sale. 

Among  Dr.  Perkins'  most  popular  choir,  class  and 
convention  books  are  the  following :  "  The  Church 
Bell,"  "  The  Advance,"  "  The  New  Century,"  ''  Glee  and 
Chorus  Book,"  "Graded  Music  Reader,  Numbers  1,  2 
and  3,"  "  Perkins'  Class  and  Choir,"  "  Perkins'  Graded 
Anthems,"  "  Model  Class  Book,"  "  Festival  Choruses,'^ 
"  The  Climax,"  "  The  Song  Indicator,"  etc.  His  works 
especially  designed  for  the  Sunday-school  are :  "  Sab- 
bath School  Trumpet,"  "  The  River  of  Life,"  "  The 
Sunnyside,"  "  The  Shining  River,"  "  The  Glorious  Tid- 
ings," "  Palms  of  Victory,"  and  "  Soul  Songs." 

Among  his  many  popular  gospel  songs  may  be 
mentioned  "  AYhiter  Than  Snow,"  which  has  been 
published  in  many  languages  and  effectively  used  by 
all  evangelists.  "  Waiting,  Only  Waiting,"  is  another 
very  effective  and  useful  song. 

Dr.  Perkins  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Music 
Teachers'  National  Association  in  1876,  read  an  essay 
upon  "  The  Object  of  Musical  Association,"  has  served 
in  nearly  every  official  capacity  and  as  secretary  for 
ten  years  since  1887.  He  also  organized  the  Illinois 
Music  Teachers'  Association  in  1886,  was  chosen  pres- 
ident, and  has  been  reelected  each  year  for  ten  con- 
secutive years.  He  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most 
practical    business    men    in    the    musical    profession. 

Dr.  Perkins  has  been  a  prominent  resident  of  Chicago 


DR.  H.  S.  PERKINS  85 

since  1ST2.  He  has  been  conspicuous  as  a  musical 
critic,  having  been  connected  with  the  Chicago  press 
for  several  years,  and  a  correspondent  of  papers  in  other 
large  cities.  He  travelled  extensively  in  Europe  ;  stud- 
ied the  methods  of  instruction  pursued  in  schools  and 
conservatories  and  delivered  many  lectures  upon  his 
travels  and  subjects  connected  with  the  music  teaching 
profession.  In  1891  he  established  the  Chicago  Na- 
tional College  of  Music,  in  Chicago,  in  which  those 
who  are  preparing  for  teachers,  or  for  artists  in  any 
branch  of  the  profession  secure  a  jiractical  course  of 
training.  The  college  has  a  large  and  well-equipped 
faculty  and  its  success  has  been  such  as  to  entitle  it 
to  a  place  among  the  best  in  the  country. 

Socially  and  musically  Dr.  Perkins  stands  among 
the  first  in  the  profession,  a  man  of  energy,  talent 
and  efficienc}^  He  has  accomplished  a  great  work 
in  the  "  vineyard  of  song." 


DR.   H.   R.   TALMER. 


XIII 
Dr.  H.  R.  Palmer 

DR  HOKATIO  RICHMOND  PALMER,  the 
well-known  author  and  composer,  was  a  man 
of  peculiar  and  diversified  abilities  and  won 
distinction  in  many  departments  of  music.  The  records 
show  he  was  born  in  Sherburne,  N.  Y.,  April  26,  1834. 
By  the  death  of  his  mother  he  was  left  half  orphan 
when  little  more  than  two  years  old.  For  a  time  he 
was  tenderly  cared  for  by  his  mother's  sister.  Then 
changes  came  and  during  his  entire  youth  he  faced 
the  world  single  handed  and  alone.  He  acquired  his 
musical  education  by  hard  unremitting  study  with 
little  assistance.  He  sang  in  his  father's  choir  when 
nine  years  of  age,  commenced  conducting  and  com- 
posing at  eighteen.  He  married  Miss  Lucia  A.  Chap- 
man, a  student  in  Rushford  Academy,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
was  Principal  of  Music.  Mr.  Palmer  was  playing  the 
organ  and  directing  the  choir  in  the  Baptist  Church  at 
Rushford,  JST.  Y.,  when  a  request  came  from  Centerville, 
a  neighboring  town,  asking  him  to  teach  a  singing 
school.  He  answered  the  call  with  fear  and  trembling, 
having  decided  years  before  that  it  was  not  his  forte 
to  teach.  However,  the  first  lesson  went  along  in  a 
manner  satisfactory  to  all  except  the  teacher. 

At  the  intermission  it  seemed  to  Mr.  Palmei*  that 
everything  had  gone  wrong.     He  was  utterly  discour- 

87 


88      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  AVRITERS 

aged  and  was  considering  stopping  then  and  there,  giv- 
ing it  up  and  running  away,  when  a  friend  (Mrs.  James 
Cole)  came  to  where  the  disheartened  young  leader  was 
sitting  alone  in  a  most  gloomy  state  of  mind.  She  was 
hearty  in  praise  of  the  lesson  thus  far.  "  It  was  delight- 
ful, way  ahead  of  anything  ever  given  there  before," 
etc.,  etc.  Taking  courage  from  her  enthusiasm  he  fin- 
ished the  lesson  and  the  term.  At  the  final  concert  the 
chorus  acquitted  itself  finely,  and  at  once  Mr.  Palmer 
was  engaged  to  return  the  next  year. 

Having  met  with  such  success  he  was  immediately 
besieged  with  requests  to  teach  singing  classes  in  ad- 
joining localities  and  states. 

For  the  purpose  of  enlarging  his  field  of  labor  he 
located  for  a  time  in  Chicago  where  he  edited  a  musical 
monthly  journal,  wrote  books,  and  conducted  festivals 
and  associations.  He  began  this  work  in  1865  shortly 
after  the  war.  At  that  time  of  increasing  life  and  pros- 
perity the  desire  for  music  awakened  also  and  demanded 
attention,  conventions  sprang  up  here  and  there  and 
quickly  became  the  social  events  of  city,  town  and 
country  districts.  In  this  work  Dr.  Palmer  was  fore- 
most and  it  grew  to  gigantic  proportions. 

He  held  music  schools,  normal  courses  in  training 
and  conducting  musical  conventions  and  festivals.  This 
work  extended  over  all  the  Northern  states  and  some 
of  the  Provinces  of  Canada ;  one  week  he  would  be  in 
the  West,  the  next  in  the  East  a  thousand  miles  distant 
and  in  the  meanwhile  his  books  kept  the  presses  running 
continually.  He  never  missed  an  engagement  for  any 
of  these  musical  festivals  although  often  required  to 
make  a  journey  of  hundreds  of  miles,  sometimes  driving 
through  snow  across  country  to  make  trains,  when  other 


DR.  H.  R.  PALMER  89 

connectioriS  failed.  lie  never  permitted  anything  to 
come  between  him  and  his  aim.  He  went  into  every- 
thing he  undertook  with  all  his  heart,  loving  it,  intent 
upon  it,  knowing  no  such  word  as  fail — not  recognizing 
it  if  it  stared  him  in  the  face,  but  walking  calmly  over 
it  and  on  to  success. 

He  has  carried  music  and  musical  enthusiasm  to 
thousands  who  were  otlierwise  beyond  its  reach.  He 
has  encouraged  and  helped  many  hundreds  of  music 
students,  by  instructions,  example  and  personal  kind- 
ness, to  work  on  against  all  discouragements,  to  attain 
the  heights  they  desired.  Scattered  all  over  the  coun- 
try we  find  leading  teachers  and  conductors  who  grate- 
fully acknowledge  their  indebtedness  to  this  loved 
educator. 

The  fruitage  of  this  work  is  what  might  naturally 
have  been  expected  from  this  keen,  tactful,  energetic, 
courageous  man. 

In  1873  he  returned  to  New  York  City,  since  which 
time,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Palmer,  he  visited  Europe 
three  times,  once  having  extended  his  travels  into  the 
Orient.  He  spent  nearly  three  years  in  different  capi- 
tals and  musical  centres  of  Europe,  studying  and  in- 
vestigating the  best  methods  of  teaching,  listening  to 
operas  and  concerts  given  by  the  best  artists,  and 
rendered  under  the  direction  of  the  most  able  drill- 
masters  in  the  world. 

Dr.  Palmer  was  beyond  doubt  one  of  the  best-equip]ied 
teachers  of  music  in  the  country.  His  large  and  dis- 
criminating experience  put  him  in  possession  of  knowl- 
edge that  cannot  be  purchased.  He  Avas  familiar  with 
all  the  standard  operas  and  oratorios,  has  adapted  and 
compiled  most  of  the  practical  excerpts,  and  unques- 


90      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WEITERS 

tionably  could  lay  his  hand  on  more  line  choruses  and 
put  them  to  immediate  use  than  most  men  in  the 
profession. 

In  1881  Dr.  Palmer  organized  the  Church  Choral 
Union  in  New  York  City.  The  aim  of  the  organiza- 
tion was  to  elevate  the  class  of  music  used  in  churches. 
Dr.  Palmer  brought  to  this  work  twenty -five  years* 
experience  in  handling  large  gatherings  of  singers  and 
the  methods  which  such  experience  and  practical  use- 
fulness had  developed.  No  wonder  that  it  grew  from 
two  hundred  and  fifty  the  first  season  to  forty-two 
hundred  the  third.  Brooklyn,  Buffalo,  Washington, 
Philadelphia  and  other  cities  called  him  and  his  assist- 
ants to  start  the  same  kind  of  work  there.  The  Church 
Choral  Union  was  made  up  from  two  hundred  and 
twenty  churches,  the  total  number  of  singers  reaching 
upwards  of  twenty  thousand,  thus  forming  the  largest 
church  music  organization  in  this  country.  Dr.  Palmer 
solved  the  difficult  problem  of  church  music.  At  one  of 
his  mammoth  concerts  in  Madison  Square  Garden,  dur- 
ing the  period  in  which  he  had  charge  of  the  Church 
Choral  Union  of  New  York  City,  he  had  nearly  four 
thousand  singers  on  the  stage,  while  the  audience  filled 
the  remaining  portion  of  the  vast  auditorium.  It  con- 
sisted mostly  of  churchgoing  people,  and  New  York 
never  saw  a  more  refined  assemblage. 

Dr.  Palmer  chose  the  Church  for  his  field  of  labor 
and  always  had  the  loyal  and  liberal  support  of  Chris- 
tian people.     His  career  was  a  brilliant  one. 

Another  way  in  which  Dr.  Palmer  has  reached  the 
homes  of  thousands  of  music  lovers  yearly  was  through 
his  Chautauqua  work.  For  fourteen  years  he  had 
charge  of  the  music  there.     He  trained  and  conducted 


DR.  H.  R.  PALMER  91 

the  marvellous  chorus,  which  averaged  four  hundred 
voices  and  enrolled  one  thousand  during  the  season. 
He  was  Dean  of  the  College  of  Music  in  which  Wm.  H. 
Sherwood,  Bernhard  Listemann,  Wheeler,  Flagler,  and 
Leason  were  teachers.  Dr.  Palmer  gave  his  personal 
attention  to  the  department  of  methods,  analytical 
harmony,  teachers  and  conducting  clubs  and  to  the  big 
choir.  Thousands  were  attracted  to  Chautauqua,  N.  Y., 
annually  by  the  masterf  id  rendering  of  music  by  the 
great  choir  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Palmer.  The 
vast  amphitheatre  often  failed  to  accommodate  the 
crowds  that  attended  the  concerts  and  sacred  song 
services  and  hundreds  could  be  seen  standing  through 
an  entire  program.  There  is  no  one  man  in  his  field 
of  labor  who  has  stood  professionally  in  the  presence 
of  so  many  people.  His  usefulness  extended  from 
ocean  to  ocean,  and  from  the  Gulf  to  the  British  pos- 
sessions. 

His  most  helpful  influences  on  daily  life  have  unques- 
tionably been  exerted  through  his  sacred  music.  He 
has  been  called  the  j^oet-musician  since  he  has  in  so 
many  instances  written  both  the  words  and  music  of  his 
popular  pieces.  Among  these  are  his  useful  and  widely 
known  hymns  :  "  Yield  N'ot  to  Temptation,"  ''  Shall  1 
Let  Him  In,"  "  Beautiful  Home,"  "  The  Rose  of  Sharon," 
"  Step  by  Step,"  "  Jesus  Loves  Little  Children,"  etc., 
all  of  which  he  has  set  to  appropriate  music.  Space 
would  fail  us  to  mention  all  of  his  sacred  sonars. 
Everybody  has  sung  his  "  Galilee,  Blue  Galilee,"  "  Peace, 
Be  Still,"  "  Come,  Sinner  Come,"  "  By  and  By  AVe 
Shall  Meet  Him,"  "  Life's  Balance  Sheet,"  etc.  Some 
of  his  hymns  are  sung  the  world  over  wherever  the 
Christian    religion   is   found,    having   been   translated 


92      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

into  numerous  tongues.  His  never  dying  "Yield 
Not  to  Temptation "  has  been  printed  millions  of 
times. 

"  The  sun  never  sets  "  on  the  lands  that  use  his  verse 
and  song.  He  has  also  issued  many  sheet  songs  that 
have  had  wide  circulation.  "  She  Sleeps  in  the  Yalley 
so  Sweet,"  "  Fawn  Footed  Nannie,"  etc. 

In  Chicago  he  edited  and  published  for  years  a  mu- 
sical monthly,  called  the  Concordia.  His  first  two  books 
were  "The  Song  Queen"  and  "  Song  King."  They 
had  immense  sales.  Among  his  theoretical  works  are 
his  "  Theory  of  Music,"  "  Class  Method,"  "  Manual  for 
Teachers,"  "  Brief  Statements,"  "  Musical  Catechism," 
"  Piano  Primer,"  "  Dictionary  of  Musical  Terms,"  etc., 
etc.,  all  of  which  are  standard,  being  used  by  the  best 
teachers  and  music  schools.  They  too  have  had  enor- 
mous sales.  His  theoretical  writing  is  characterized  by 
clearness  and  accuracy,  and  his  music  is  distinguished 
for  grace,  purity  and  melodiousness. 

A  larore  number  of  Dr.  Palmer's  books,  collections  of 
songs  of  all  grades,  always  containing  the  best  of  music, 
are  to-day  being  used  in  schools  and  churches  every- 
where in  this  country.  He  wrote  and  compiled  fifty 
volumes  in  the  interest  of  music.  In  recognition  of  the 
great  services  rendered  in  the  AVest  by  the  introduction 
of  thorough  methods  and  high  grades  of  music,  the 
Chicago  University  conferred  upon  him  the  honorable 
degree  of  Doctor  of  Music,  and  a  year  later,  for  similar 
services  rendered  in  the  East,  the  Alfred  University 
conferred  upon  him  the  same  degree. 

As  a  leader  Dr.  Palmer  was  an  inspiration  to  an}^ 
choir  or  chorus  and  was  not  surpassed  in  kindly  thought 
and  skill.     He  had  enthusiasm  that  was  contagious  and 


DR.  H.  R.  PALMER  93 

was  also  blessed  with  the  staying  quality  and  the  gen- 
ius of  good  fellowship.  Dr.  Palmer  conducted  the 
Chautauqua,  N.  Y.,  Chorus  for  fourteen  years,  built 
up  the  choir  at  the  Broom  Street  Tabernacle  and  had 
charge  of  the  three  choirs  for  eleven  years,  lie  sei'ved 
two  church  choirs  seven  years  each,  worked  in  the 
Madison,  Wis.,  Assembly  seven  years  and  in  the  De 
Funiack  Springs,  Fla.,  six  years.  He  was  the  first 
leader  at  the  Albany  Georgia  Assembly  and  conducted 
the  chorus  for  a  number  of  years.  He  served  the  Cort- 
land, K.  Y.,  Festival  nineteen  times.  The  list  of  festi- 
vals in  which  he  worked  from  two  to  ten  years  is  too 
long  to  mention  here. 

Dr.  Palmer  once  told  an  interesting  anecdote  of  his 
forty-third  birthday.  He  happened  on  that  day  to  be 
in  London.  He  said  he  never  had  thought  about  get- 
ting old  or  having  to  lay  aside  the  work  he  loved 
so  much  ;  but  that  day  he  was  struck  with  the  idea  that 
he  was  old  and  would  be  getting  older — past  his  days 
of  usefulness.  Soon  he  would  be  fifty-three,  then  sixty- 
three.  The  thought  was  so  impressed  on  him  that  he 
felt  very  gloomy.  In  the  afternoon  he  went  around  to 
hear  Spurgeon.  The  great  preacher  was  exactly  Dr. 
Palmer's  age,  and  listening  to  the  words  that  fell  from 
those  immortal  lips,  realizing  the  wonderful  power  for 
good  that  Spurgeon  exerted  then,  and  would  exert  for 
years  to  come,  it  was  borne  in  on  him  that  forty-three 
was  not  old  ;  that  a  world  of  usefulness  still  lay  before 
him  ;  that  if  one's  life  is  filled  with  love  and  work, 
there  is  no  time  for  age  to  creep  in. 

During  their  visit  to  the  Holy  Land  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Palmer  were  invited  to  a  Sunday  afternoon  tea  in  Je- 
rusalem, and  Avere  greeted  by  about  fifty  people  who 


94      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

sat  at  the  same  table.  Instead  of  saying  "  Grace  "  all 
joined  in  singing  his 

"  By  and  by  we  shall  meet  Him, 
By  and  by  we  shall  greet  Him." 

When  at  Tiberias  on  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  the  young  peo- 
ple of  the  mission  invited  the  Doctor  to  a  moonlight 
row  on  the  sea  and  surprised  him  by  singing  his  "  Gali- 
lee, Blue  Galilee  "  and  "  Peace,  Be  Still  "  on  the  beauti- 
ful waters  which  gave  i^ise  to  the  songs. 

When  returning  from  Nazareth  to  Jerusalem,  Dr. 
Palmer  was  invited  to  spend  a  night  at  the  mission  in 
Nablous  (the  old  Shechem  of  Bible  times).  The  med- 
ical missionary,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Fallsheer  who  has  a  church 
consisting  of  about  two  hundred  converted  Mohammed- 
ans, had  arranged  a  meeting  that  night  and  asked  Dr. 
Palmer  to  play  the  organ  during  the  service  which  was 
conducted  entirely  in  the  Arabic  language.  As  the  Arabic 
reads  from  right  to  left  instead  of  from  left  to  right  as 
in  English,  the  music  must  conform  to  that  plan,  i.  e.^it 
begins  at  the  extreme  right  and  is  read  to  the  left,  so 
the  Doctor  had  to  play  backwards,  so  to  say,  through 
the  entire  service,  during  which  his  hymn  "  Yield  Not 
to  Temptation "  was  sung  in  Arabic  by  the  congrega- 
tion. 

He  was  well  known  on  the  lecture  platform  of  many 
states  in  connection  with  subjects  other  than  musical. 
He  has  devoted  much  time  to  astronomy  and  gave  his 
lecture  on  this  subject  with  all  the  charm  that  belongs 
to  only  a  true  lover  of  the  science.  Again  he  was 
eagerly  sought  as  a  lecturer  to  give  his  illustrated 
lectures  on  the  Orient  and  the  Holy  Land.  He  has 
carried  into  these  other  lines  the  same  quick  brain  and 


DR.  H.  R.  PALMP:R  95 

forceful  activity  that  developed  his  music  work  years 
ago  and  placed  him  in  its  first  ranks. 

Dr.  Palmer  owned  a  beautiful  home  at  Park  Hill-on- 
Hudson.  From  two  windows  in  his  study  there  is  an 
extended  view  of  the  river  and  Palisades.  This  view 
was  always  a  great  joy  to  him.  He  was  also  fond  of 
the  trees,  flowering  shrubs,  and  plants.  He  would  go 
out  before  breakfast  looking  for  new  buds  and  blossoms. 
There  is  a  symmetrical  young  maple  tree  standing  on 
the  summit  of  the  grounds  that  he  took  delight  in  show- 
ing to  callers  and  visitors.  It  has  always  been  called 
Dr.  Palmer's  tree. 

Dr.  Palmer's  last  public  services  were  done  in  the 
Mountain  Summer  Assembly  at  Ebensburg,  Pa.,  in 
1907.     He  closed  with  a  fine  concert  the  first  of  August. 

In  the  autumn  when  a  purple  haze  softened  the  sun- 
light and  a  wealth  of  autumn  leaves  had  colored  the 
Palisades  and  crept  up  the  hillside  Dr.  Palmer  passed 
peacefully  to  rest  in  the  home  he  loved,  November  15, 
1907,  in  the  seventy-third  year  of  his  age. 


XIV 

L.  C.  and  Dr.  A.  B.  Everett 

THE  Everetts  and  Mcintosh  were  to  the  music 
of   the   South  what   Mason,  Hastings,  Brad- 
bury  and   others  were   to  the  music  of   the 
North. 

It  is  greatly  to  be  regretted  that  the  records  we  have 
of  the  lives  of  the  Everetts  are  so  meagre.  Strange  to 
say,  and  strange  as  it  may  seem,  there  was  but  little 
record  kept  of  the  work  and  lives  of  these  great  men  of 
the  southland.  Perhaps  this  was  due  largely  to  the  un- 
developed condition  of  the  South  in  that  day.  Also  be- 
cause the  Civil  War  "  broke  out,"  when  they  were  in 
the  very  height  of  musical  glory.  Seemingly  they  had 
no  thought  of  a  future  history  to  record  the  achieve- 
ments of  the  past.  They  labored  under  many  disad- 
vantages which  all  pioneers  have  to  encounter.  How- 
ever, their  seed  sowing  was  by  no  means  a  vain  thing. 

As  these  two  brothers,  L.  C.  and  A.  B.  Everett,  were 
so  closely  and  intimately  connected  in  their  life-work, 
we  give  a  joint  sketch  of  them.  Their  brothers  B.  H. 
and  N.  E.  Everett  were  also  good  musicians,  but  their 
work  was  not  so  pronounced  as  that  of  the  subjects  of 
this  sketch. 

L.  C.  Everett  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1818  ;  died  in 
Elmira,  N.  Y.,  in  April,  1867,  while  on  his  return  from 
Europe. 

97 


98      GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Asa  Brooks  Everett  was  born  in  Yirginia  in  1828  ; 
died  near  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  September,  18Y5. 

In  early  manhood  they  were  broadly  and  liberally 
educated,  the  one  for  the  Christian  ministry  and  the 
other  for  the  practice  of  medicine.  During  this  time 
Mr.  L.  C.  Everett  gave  much  attention  to  the  study  of 
church  music,  believing  it  would  be  valuable  to  him  in 
his  chosen  work  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel.  His 
example  influenced  his  younger  brother,  and  together 
they  pursued  their  studies  and  investigations  of  the  sub- 
ject. Being  passionately  fond  of  music,  they  became 
intensely  interested  and  finally  decided  to  forego  their 
original  purposes  and  to  adopt  music  as  their  profession. 

On  the  strength  of  this  decision  they  went  to  Boston, 
and  took  a  pretty  thorough  course  of  musical  instruction. 
They  also  attended  some  normal  musical  institutes  of 
the  day.  Returning  South  they  began  teaching  vocal 
music  in  classes  and  soon  became  famous.  Being 
desirous  of  still  further  musical  study.  Dr.  A.  B. 
Everett  went  to  Leipzig,  Germany,  and  took  a  four 
years'  course.  He  then  returned  to  America  and  joined 
his  brother  in  an  effort  to  develop  an  easy  practical  and 
scientific  method  of  elementary  class  instruction.  "  The 
Everett  System  "  was  the  final  outcome,  and  was  ex- 
ceedingly popular  in  its  day. 

The  L.  C.  Everett  Co.,  which  consisted  of  L.  C. 
and  A.  B.  Everett,  and  R.  M.  Mcintosh,  had  prior  to 
the  Civil  War  in  their  employ  over  fifty  teachers  of 
vocal  music  in  the  Southern  and  Middle  Atlantic  states, 
who  had  received  an  individual  normal  training  under 
them  for  a  period  of  two  months.  They  paid  each 
teacher  a  salary  of  one  hundred  dollars  per  month  and 
expenses. 


L.  C.  AND  DR.  A.  B.  EVERETT  99 

The  Ev^eretts  were  prolific  and  popular  writers 
of  church  music. 

For  a  time  they  made  Richmond,  Ya.,  their  head- 
quarters. Later  the  Everett  family  moved  to  Pennsyl- 
vania. As  Prof.  L.  C.  Everett  passed  away  before  the 
gospel  song  period,  a  few  of  his  most  popular  hymn 
tunes  are  mentioned  :  "  Bealoth,"  "  Spring,"  "  Mattie," 
''  Beaufort,"  "  Schumann,"  "  Solitude,"  and  "  Wyanet." 
He  also  composed  many  anthems. 

Dr.  A.  B.  Everett  composed  many  excellent  hymn 
tunes  and  anthems,  and  devoted  the  latter  years  of  his 
life  almost  entirely  to  writing  gospel  songs.  The  fol- 
lowing are  considered  among  his  most  popular :  ''  Foot- 
steps of  Jesus,"  "  Knocking  at  the  Door,"  "  Come  Unto 
Me,"  "  To  that  City  AVill  You  Go  ?  "  "  Hear  Him  Call- 
ing," and  "  Summer  Land."  They  edited  several  valu- 
able collections  of  music. 

Prof.  L.  C.  Everett's  largest  and  most  popular  collec- 
tion was  "  The  Wesleyan  Hymn  and  Tune  Book,"  pub- 
lished by  the  Publishing  House  of  the  M.  E.  Church 
South. 

Dr.  A.  B.  Everett's  largest  and  most  important  book 
was  "  The  Sceptre,"  published  by  The  Bigiow  6z  Main 
Co.,  New  York. 

Dr.  R.  M.  Mcintosh,  their  pupil  and  also  associate 
until  the  Civil  War,  had  from  the  beo:innino;'  of  his  edi- 
torial  work  full  access  to  the  Everett  copyrights  and 
finally  became  the  owner  of  them  ;  consecjuently  the 
Everetts'  music,  including  hymn  tunes,  anthems  and 
gospel  songs,  have  occupied  a  permanent  place  in  all 
the  collections  edited  by  him,  and  later,  the  hymnals 
and  gospel  song  books  edited  by  Prof.  H.  R.  Christie. 
Their  music  has  also  appeared  in  many  books  edited  by 


100    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

other  authors.  Prof.  L.  C.  Everett  was  a  member  of 
the  M.  E.  Church  South,  and  Dr.  A.  B.  Everett  a  com- 
municant of  the  Christian  Church. 

The  musical  impress  left  on  the  South  by  their 
labors  is  an  honored  and  abiding  monument  to  the 
Everetts. 


R.   M.   McINTOSH. 


Dr.  R.  M.  Mcintosh 

RIGDON  McCOY  McINTOSH  was  born  in 
Maury  County,  Tenn.,  April  3,  1836.  His 
musical  gifts  as  well  as  a  bright,  cheerful 
temperament  were  the  direct  inheritance  from  his 
mother,  Mrs.  Mamie  (Biggs)  Mcintosh.  He  often  ex- 
pressed great  faith  in  his  Scotch  father.  Hector  Mcin- 
tosh. He  considered  it  a  good  beginning  in  life  to 
have  been  born  on  a  farm  and  reared  with  a  goodly 
number  of  brothers  and  sisters. 

He  was  educated  at  Jackson  College,  Columbia, 
Tenn.  After  leaving  college  he  was  for  a  time  professor 
of  English  and  Mathematics  in  Triam  Alabama  High 
School. 

In  early  manhood,  the  seeming  chance  acquaintance 
of  the  Everett  brothers  changed  the  whole  course  of 
his  after  life.  Previous  to  this  he  had  not  thought  of 
music  as  a  profession,  but  rather  that  of  law.  He  took 
a  special  course  of  musical  instruction  under  L.  C.  and 
A.  B.  Everett.  Then  for  a  number  of  years  he  worked 
with  them,  teaching,  composing  and  editing  books. 

His  work  led  him  to  Farmville,  Ya.,  and  while 
there  he  married  IMiss  Sallie  ^FcClasson.  His  wife's 
estate  became  his  home  until  after  the  birth  of  his  two 
children,  Lou  lie  Everett  and  Nannie.  His  marriage 
with  a  pure  Christian  woman  brought  another  influence 
to  bear  on  the  life  of  this  gifted  man.     Through  her 

103 


104    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

consecrated  life  and  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
he  became  a  Christian  and  united  with  the  M.  E. 
Church  South.  Ever  afterwards  his  gift  of  song  was 
dedicated  to  the  Master's  use. 

In  1875  he  was  elected  principal  of  the  music  de- 
partment of  the  Yanderbilt  University,  Nashville, 
Tenn.  His  composition,  "  Yanderbilt's  Ode,"  was 
sung  and  used  at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the 
first  one  of  the  university  buildings. 

In  1877  he  accepted  the  position  of  Professor  of 
Music  in  Emory  College,  Oxford,  Ga.  This  institution 
conferred  on  him  the  degree  of  Music  Doctor.  Oxford 
became  his  permanent  home,  and  he  served  as  Mayor 
for  a  number  of  years. 

He  finally  established  The  R.  M.  Mcintosh  Publish- 
ing Company,  and  in  1895  severed  his  connection  with 
Emory  College  and  devoted  his  time  exclusively  to  the 
company. 

Dr.  Mcintosh's  church  collections  are :  "  Tabor," 
"Herman,"  "Methodist  Hymn  and  Tune  Book," 
"  Prayer  and  Praise,"  "  Christian  Hymns,"  "  Gospel 
Grace,"  and  "  Mcintosh's  Anthems." 

Sunday-school  books  :  "  Glad  Tidings,"  "  Amaranth," 
"  Emerald,"  "  The  Gem,"  "  Good  News,"  "  Light  and 
Life,"  "New  Life,  No.  1,"  "New  Life,  No.  2,"  "Living 
Songs,"  "  Pure  Words,"  and  "  Songs  of  Service." 
H.  R.  Christie  was  co-editor  of  the  last  two  books  men- 
tioned. 

Class  Books  and  Periodicals :  "  Mcintosh's  Musical 
Notation,"  "  The  Everett-Mclntosh  Method  of  Teach- 
ing Musical  Notation,"  and  "  Elementary  Yocal  Music 
in  Classes,"  "Mcintosh's  Class  and  Chorus  Book," 
"  The  Musical  Worker." 


DR.  R.  M.  McINTOSH  105 

The  "  Tabor,"  "  Amaranth  "  and  ''  JS'ew  Life,  JSTo.  1," 
have  had  the  largest  sales,  two  of  these  reaching  the 
two  million  mark.  The  aggregate  sales  of  all  his  books 
is  nearly  six  and  a  half  million  copies. 

Among  the  many  popidar  gospel  songs  which  he 
composed,  we  mention  the  following :  "  The  Wise 
Virgins,"  "  At  the  Beautiful  Gate,"  "  Tell  It  Again," 
"  Not  Far  From  the  Kingdom,"  "  Gathering  Home," 
"  The  Kingdom  Coming,"  "  For  Many,  Many  Years," 
''  Story  of  the  Cross." 

Dr.  Mcintosh  was  music  editor  of  the  Publishing 
House  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  for  over 
thirty  years  and  this  house  published  most  of  his 
books.  Oliver  Ditson  Company,  Boston,  Mass.,  pub- 
lished "  Good  News,"  "  Light  and  Life,"  and  "  Mcin- 
tosh's Anthems  " ;  J.  W.  Burke  &  Co.,  Macon,  Ga., 
"  Mcintosh's  Class  and  Chorus  Book,"  and  The  Gospel 
Advocate  Co.,  Nashville,  Tenn.,  "  Christian  Hymns." 

As  a  teacher  he  was  gifted  in  a  remarkable  degree, 
as  those  who  studied  under  him  testify.  His  method 
was  peculiarly  his  own,  and  was  fruitful  in  the  best  of 
results.  He  was  a  busy  teacher  and  his  services  were 
in  great  demand. 

As  a  vocalist,  his  voice  was  pure  and  sympathetic, 
and  when  leading  a  large  chorus  was  very  powerful. 
He  was  a  fine  director  of  choruses — a  favorite  through- 
out all  the  South. 

Frederick  N.  Crouch,  author  of  "  Kathleen  Mavour- 
neen,"  said  in  Southetm  Opinio7i,  in  a  review  of  Dr. 
Mcintosh's  work  in  Richmond,  Ya.,  "  I  have  heard 
John  Ilullah  before  his  great  chorus  in  London  and 
Dr.  Lowell  Mason  before  his  old  Handel  and  Haydn 
Society  in  Boston,  but  I  never  heard  Professor  Mcln- 


106    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

tosh's  equal  on  the  teacher's  rostrum,  nor  any  one  who 
could  approach  him  as  a  master  in  chorus  drill.  At 
first,  when  the  members  of  his  old  Richmond  Society 
of  Music  were  lauding  him  to  the  skies,  I  could  not  be- 
lieve in  him.  Finally  I  slipped  into  his  lecture  room 
one  night,  and  next  into  his  chorus  drill  room,  night 
after  night.  He  does  not  know  me  now,  but  all  I  have 
said  of  him  is  the  truth  ;  and  if  I  know  nothing  else  in 
the  world  I  know  a  drill  master  when  I  see  him.  The 
members  of  his  chorus  do  not  overestimate  him." 

His  hymn  tunes,  anthems,  gospel  songs  and  books 
speak  for  themselves  as  to  his  ability  as  a  composer  and 
editor.  His  songs  have  not  alone  found  a  place  in  the 
hearts  of  the  people  North  and  South,  but  a  number  of 
them  have  been  translated  into  different  languages  and 
sung  by  missionaries  in  many  foreign  lands. 

Great  efforts  were  made  by  prominent  evangelists  to 
procure  his  services  for  the  evangelistic  field ;  but  he 
was  unwilling  to  sever  his  connections  with  the  Pub- 
lishing House  of  the  M.  E.  Church  South  and  educa- 
tional institutions  for  this  field  of  labor.  However 
he  did  sing  for  some  important  meetings,  among  which 
was  Rev.  Sam  P.  Jones'  meeting  held  for  Talmage's 
Church,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  and  the  Annual  and  General 
Conferences  of  the  M.  E.  Church  South.  One  friend 
in  writing  of  him  says  :  "  Dr.  Mcintosh  had  many 
strong  and  noble  characteristics,  and  made  lasting 
friends  of  the  most  deserving  men  with  whom  he  came 
in  contact."  Another  speaking  of  him  says  :  "  Few 
if  any  had  a  stronger  devotion  for  his  family  and 
friends." 

His  compositions  in  the  treatment  of  hj^mns  of  the 
future  life  were  full  of  pathos  and  power  and  it  was  a 


DR.  R.  M.  McINTOSH  107 

touching  coincidence  that  on  that  dark,  sad  night,  while 
he  lay  in  an  upper  room  dying,  an  unknown  youth,  un- 
conscious of  the  death  scene  within,  passed  wearily 
homeward  whistling  as  he  went : 

''  Up  to  the  bountiful  Giver  of  life, 
Gathering  home  !  gathering  home," 

and  thus  the  Asaph  fell  asleep  as  the  notes  of  his  own 
song  were  echoing  around  him  on  the  earthward  side 
and  floating  out  across  the  mystical  stream  to  mingle 
with  the  melodies  of  a  divine  minstrelsy  on  the  farther 
shore. 

Dr.  R.  M.  Mcintosh  died  July  2,  1899,  at  the  resi- 
dence of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  E.  T.  Burns,  Atlanta,  Ga., 
and  was  interred  July  4th  in  the  cemetery  at  Oxford, 
Ga.  Only  his  own  songs  were  sung  at  the  funeral 
service.  With  his  brethren,  Andrew,  Few,  Meane  and 
Hay  good  he  sleeps  as  he  lived  and  labored — among 
his  own  people. 


H.  R.   CHRISTIE. 


XVI 
H.  R.  Christie 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Harvey  Kobert 
Christie,  was  born  in  Monroe  County,  W.  Ya., 
June  29,  18i8,  and  is  of  English  and  Scotch- 
Irish  descent.  His  great  grandfather,  James  Christie, 
who  came  from  London,  was  a  Methodist  minister, 
and  was  instrumental  in  ei'ecting  Kehoboth  Church 
in  1785,  the  first  in  the  country.  His  father,  James 
Maxwell  Christie,  and  his  mother,  C3^nthia  Peters 
(Clark)  Christie,  were  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  They  had  eleven  children  born  to  them, 
three  daughters  and  eight  sons,  of  whom  seven  survive. 

In  1859  the  family  removed  to  Mercer  County. 
Here  for  the  first  time  they  came  in  contact  with  the 
people  designated  as  the  Disciples  of  Christ  and  had 
frequent  opportunities  to  hear  the  Gospel  preached 
with  power  by  such  faithful  ministers  as  Duncan, 
Cowgill,  Bullard,  Baber,  Lucas  and  others.  This  re- 
sulted in  a  change  of  their  church  relationship.  In 
1869  they  united  with  the  Christian  Church  and  all  the 
children  followed  their  example. 

Young  Christie  received  his  first  literary  training  in 
the  public  schools,  and  was  subsequently  liberally  edu- 
cated at  the  seminary. 

He  began  to  teach  singing  classes  in  1871  and  con- 
tinued until  187-1.  His  success  up  to  this  time  justified 
him   in   making   music  his   profession.     This   decision 

109 


110    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

caused  him  to  seek  a  higher  course  of  study  and  a  better 
method  of  instruction.  To  accomplish  his  purpose 
thoroughly,  he  entered  a  course  of  training  under 
Prof.  R.  M.  Mcintosh,  who  was  at  that  time  principal 
of  the  music  department  of  the  Yanderbilt  University. 

He  remained  in  Tennessee  until  June,  1876.  During 
this  period  he  taught  quite  a  number  of  classes  in  Sum- 
ner, Wilson  and  Davidson  Counties.  Returning  to 
West  Virginia  he  continued  his  class  teaching  until 
April,  1877.  At  this  time  he  opened  his  first  normal 
session — two  months  at  the  Concord  State  Normal 
School,  Athens,  W.  Ya.  This  he  followed  with  a 
similar  session  at  Princeton,  W.  Ya.  The  next  normal 
was  held  at  Rural  Retreat,  Ya.,  in  1878,  and  four  ses- 
sions were  held  at  Snowville,  Ya.,  during  the  years 
1879-1880.  In  1881  he  opened  a  nine-months'  session 
at  Rural  Retreat.  During  this  year  he  decided  to  add 
a  business  department,  and  he  entered  the  Commercial 
College  of  Kentucky  University.  In  1882  he  removed 
to  Milligan  College,  Tennessee,  where  he  became  one  of 
the  donors  of  the  college  and  has  since  been  a  perma- 
nent member  of  the  Board  of  Directors. 

The  school  under  the  name  of  Christie's  Music  and 
Commercial  Institute,  had  a  liberal  patronage  until 
1884,  when  Washington  College,  Tennessee,  oflPered 
greater  inducements  and  the  institution  was  removed 
and  merged  into  Christie's  Music  and  Business  College. 

There  were  full  courses  of  study  offered  in  both  the 
music  and  commercial  departments  of  this  school  under 
a  corps  of  competent  instructors.  Yarious  musical  or- 
ganizations, both  vocal  and  instrumental,  were  con- 
nected with  the  institute.  The  school  continued  for  a 
period  of  eight  years. 


H.  R.  CHRISTIE  111 

Nearly  every  year,  in  addition  to  the  regular  session, 
a  summer  term  was  held  at  the  State  Normal  School, 
Athens,  W.  Va.  The  largest  annual  enrollment  includ- 
ing all  departments  was  384  students  representing 
twenty-six  states.  Of  this  number  116  were  instru- 
mental pupils. 

It  might  be  interesting  to  note  that  Charles  M. 
Alexander,  the  renowned  singing  evangelist,  was  a  pupil 
in  this  school.  Professor  Christie  is  quite  a  successful 
teacher  and  organizer.  Dr.  R.  M.  Mcintosh  in  writing 
of  him  says  :  "  I  regard  Prof.  H.  R.  Christie  one  of  the 
best  teachers  I  ever  knew,  and  he  has  had  much  to  do 
with  the  training  of  the  people  of  his  own  state  and 
elsewhere.  He  is  acknowledged  by  all  who  know  him 
to  be  a  man  of  superior  judgment,  taste  and  skill  in  all 
the  departments  of  church  and  Sunday-school  music." 

He  resides  at  Willowton,  W.  Ya. 

In  1894  he  became  editor  of  the  musical  department 
of  The  Standard  Publishing  Company,  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
one  of  the  leading  publishing  houses  of  the  Christian 
Church. 

Professor  Christie's  books  show  purpose  and  the  treat- 
ment of  subjects  is  systematic  in  every  detail.  In  1876 
he  edited  "  Favorite  Songs  "  (his  brother  T.  H.  R.  as- 
sisting him)  for  the  benefit  of  teachers.  This  book 
proved  to  be  quite  popular  with  the  profession.  In 
1892  he  assisted  R.  M.  Mcintosh  in  editing  "  Words  of 
Truth,"  a  book  for  Sunday-schools. 

In  1893  he  went  to  Oxford,  Ga.,  and  spent  two  years. 
While  there  he  occupied  the  oiRce  of  Dr.  Mcintosh 
where  he  had  full  access  to  his  musical  library  as  well 
as  his  assistance  in  the  further  study  of  hymnology, 
musical  authors  and  their  works. 


112    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

During  this  time  he  edited  "  Gospel  Light,"  a  church 
hymnal  of  432  pages.  He  claims  this  was  the  first 
church  hymnal  in  which  all  the  words  were  printed  in 
the  score  with  the  music. 

In  1896  he  assisted  R.  M.  Mcintosh  in  editing  "  Songs 
of  Service,"  for  young  people's  meetings.  In  1906  he 
edited  ''  The  Christian  Church  Hymnal,"  a  book  of  432 
pages.  This  collection  has  169  Responsive  Bible  Read- 
ings—prepared by  M.  M.  Davis,  Dallas,  Texas. 

His  new  (1911)  book,  "Songs  of  Evangelism,"  con- 
tains many  of  the  most  famous  gospel  songs  and  is  pre- 
eminently a  book  for  the  purposes  intended.  Among 
his  best  compositions  may  be  mentioned :  "  What  Have  I 
Done  To-day  ?  "  "  He  Knows  it  All,"  "  Let  Him  Come 
In,"  "  Let  it  Shine  in  Your  Soul,"  "  I  Shall  Have  Stars 
in  My  Crown,"  "  Hear  the  Call,"  "  Freely  Give,"  "  Am- 
bassadors for  Christ,"  and  "  A  Call  Comes  Ringing  to 
Me." 

Professor  Christie  is  an  able  director  of  congrega- 
tional singing,  choirs,  evangelistic  meetings,  conven- 
tions and  other  assemblies. 

His  books  are  having  immense  sales  and  may  be 
found  in  every  state  in  the  Union,  and  in  various  for- 
eign countries. 

"  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  He  is  good.  Sing- 
praises  unto  His  name  ;  for  it  is  pleasant." 


REV.  ISAIAH  BALTZELL. 


XYII 
Rev.  Isaiah  Baltzell 

IT  is  something  worthy  of  note  that  a  man  should 
have  been  a  pioneer  in  any  line.  Such  is  the  rec- 
ord of  the  musical  work  of  Rev.  Isaiah  Baltzell 
who  was  one  of  the  first,  and  for  a  considerable  period 
one  of  the  foremost  writers  of  Sunday-school  and  re- 
vival music  in  the  United  Brethren  Church.  Through 
long  years  of  faithful  service  his  influence  upon  the  mu- 
sical work  of  the  denomination  with  which  he  was  con- 
nected was  powerful. 

He  was  born  near  Frederick  City,  Md.,  November 
26,  1832,  his  father,  a  farmer,  whose  family  trace  goes 
back  through  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  to  those  sturdy 
colonists  of  German  blood  who  came  to  North  Carolina 
before  the  Revolution.  His  mother  was  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania German  stock  who  had  built  up  Southern 
Pennsylvania  and  Northern  Maryland. 

His  education  was  limited  to  the  opportunities  off'ered 
by  the  common  schools  of  his  neighborhood,  and  to 
several  terms  at  a  private  school  conducted  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Moravian  Church,  at  Graceham,  in  the 
county  in  which  he  was  born.  While  he  was  still  a  lad 
his  parents  moved  to  the  neighborhood  of  Mechanics- 
town  (now  Thurmont),  Md.,  where  he  w^as  converted 
at  a  camp-meeting  held  by  the  United  Brethren.  He 
became  a  member  of  that  organization,  and  later, 
through  his  influence,  his  parents,  both  of  them  mem- 

115 


IIG    GOSPEL  SOJSG  AND  HYMN  WKITERS 

bers  of  the  Lutheran  faith,  and  his  brothers  and  sisters, 
also  identified  themselves  with  the  United  Brethren. 

While  still  in  his  teens  he  felt  a  call  to  the  ministry 
and  in  1850  was  ordained  at  Edinburg,  Ya.,  and  as- 
signed to  a  circuit  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  present 
state  of  West  Yirginia.  He  served  several  charges  in 
this  section,  and  after  his  marriage  to  Miss  Cecilia 
Caroline  James,  at  Mount  Jackson,  Ya.,  he  was  sent  to 
Baltimore,  as  pastor  of  a  congregation  which  he  built 
up  from  a  mission  to  a  self-sustaining  body.  From 
Baltimore  he  went  again  to  AYestern  Maryland,  serving 
as  pastor  at  Myers  town,  and  Boonsboro,  with  a  short 
stay  at  Shiremanstown,  Pa.  This  was  during  the  Civil 
War  period.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  w^ent  to  Hagers- 
town,  Md.,  and  then  returned  to  Pennsylvania,  where 
he  remained  for  the  rest  of  his  life,  filling  pastorates  at 
New  Holland,  and  Mountville,  Lancaster  County,  and 
at  Highspire,  Dauphin  County,  Harrisburg  and  Read- 
ing. Daring  this  period  he  served  a  number  of  years 
as  Presiding  Elder  of  one  of  the  districts  of  the  East 
Pennsylvania  Conference,  and  as  delegate  to  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  of  the  Church  and  Educational  Board. 
At  the  time  of  his  death,  January  16,  1893,  he  was  en- 
gaged in  raising  funds  to  build  a  church  at  Potts- 
town,  Pa. 

He  left  a  widow  and  three  children,  two  of  whom 
are  engaged  in  musical  work  :  Winton  J.,  editor  of  the 
Musician^  published  by  the  Oliver  Ditson  Company, 
Boston  ;  composer  of  songs  and  anthems,  and  author  of 
a  successful  history  of  music  and  a  biographical  diction- 
ary of  musicians  ;  Margaret  A.,  teacher  in  a  conserva- 
tory of  music,  at  Reading,  Pa. 

Even  as  a  boy  Isaiah  Baltzell  was  marked  out  as 


KEY.  ISAIAH  BALTZELL  117 

having  more  than  ordinary  talent  for  music  ;  he  loved 
to  sing  and  long  before  he  learned  the  rudiments  of 
music,  tried  to  write  little  tunes.  As  a  young  minister 
he  was  popular  and  successful  owing  to  his  ability  to 
sing,  to  lead  a  congregation  and  to  teach  others  to 
sing.  He  frequently  conducted  singing  schools  on.  his 
various  charges. 

The  first  book  that  he  published  was  a  small  collec- 
tion known  as  the  "  Kevival  Songster,"  issued  at  Balti- 
more, in  1859.  The  next  was  a  little  pamphlet  called 
'"•  Choral  Gems,"  published  in  1871,  in  which  collection 
he  was  assisted  by  the  Rev.  G.  W.  M.  Eigor.  His 
books  now  began  to  follow  in  quick  succession  ;  among 
the  most  popular  are :  "  Camp  Meeting  Singer," 
"  Golden  Songs,"  "  Rippling  Rills,"  "  Heavenly  Carols," 
"  Gates  of  Praise,"  "  Songs  of  Cheer/'  "  Songs  of 
Grace,"  "  Songs  of  the  Kingdom,"  "  Holy  Voices," 
"  Notes  of  Triumph,"  "Songs  of  Refreshing,"  "  Garnered 
Sheaves,"  and  "The  Master's  Praise."  Mr.  E.  S. 
Lorenz  was  associated  with  Mr.  Baltzell  in  editing 
several  of  these  books.  Among  his  most  popular  songs 
are  :  "  Xo  Room  in  Heaven,"  "  Good  JSTews  Comes  O'er 
the  Sea,"  "  Some  Mother's  Child,"  "  Take  my  Heart, 
Dear  Jesus,"  "  I  AVant  to  be  a  Worker,"  and  "  Go, 
Wash  in  the  Stream." 

Rev.  Isaiah  Baltzell's  life  was  one  filled  with  good 
works  ;  his  labors  of  love  and  song  will  go  on  and  con- 
tinue to  inspire  hearts  to  nobler  aspirations. 


PHILIP    PHILLIPS. 


XYIII 

Philip  Phillips 

THE  SINGING  PILGKIM,"  as  Mr.  Phillips 
was  generally  called  and  familiarly  known, 
was  born  August  13,  1834,  in  Chautauqua 
County,  N.  Y.  He  was  a  "  boy  on  a  farm  "  in  early 
life  ;  but  he  had  a  talent  for  music  and  a  good  tenor 
voice  for  performing  it.  Mr.  Phillips  began  teaching 
singing  school  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  and  met  with 
great  success.  In  1858,  while  teaching  singing  classes 
in  Marion,  Ohio,  he  met  the  lady  of  his  choice  in  the 
person  of  Miss  Olive  M.  Clark.  They  were  married 
the  following  year.  He  began  his  active  business  life 
in  1860,  the  year  after  his  marriage,  when  he  formed  a 
partnership  with  Wm.  Sumner  &  Co.,  under  the  firm 
name  of  Philip  Phillips  &  Co.,  for  the  sale  of  pianos 
and  organs  and  the  publication  of  Sunday-school  sing- 
ing books,  at  Cincinnati,  O.  In  the  sale  of  instruments 
he  was  remarkably  successful,  though  in  competition 
with  a  number  of  well-established  firms.  Mr.  Phillijis 
frequently  introduced  himself  into  a  village  or  city  by 
placing  a  melodeon  in  some  vehicle  and  locating  him- 
self and  outfit  on  some  prominent  street-corner,  and 
then  begin  to  sing  and  play.  It  is  needless  to  say  that 
his  marvellous  voice  would  draw  the  crowds,  and  under 
its  magic  charm  they  would  buy  his  books  and  give 
him  orders  for  instruments.  Indeed  his  great  success 
in  this  direction,  with  a  very  limited  financial  capital, 

119 


120    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

was  one  of  the  inducements  which  led  Wm.  Sumner 
&  Co.,  ah^eady  occupying  several  states  with  sewing- 
machine  agencies,  with  headquarters  at  Cincinnati,  to 
aid  him  with  all  the  capital  he  might  need  for  his  busi- 
ness, and  let  him  have  the  greater  portion  of  the  mag- 
nificent room  they  were  occupying  in  Pike's  former 
Opera  House,  for  the  display  and  sale  of  his  wares.  In 
the  composition  and  sale  of  Sunday-school  song  books 
Mr.  Phillips  had,  at  that  time,  but  few  competitors  ; 
the  principal  one  being  W.  B.  Bradbury,  although 
Horace  Waters,  of  New  York,  and  a  few  others  were 
in  the  field,  but  not  occupying  it.  But  Mr.  Philhps 
and  Mr.  Bradbury  were  friends  rather  than  competi- 
tors, and  this  friendship  continued  unbroken  through 
life. 

The  first  book  issued  by  him  was  "  Early  Blossoms," 
which  was  followed  by  "  Musical  Leaves."  This  was 
published  in  three  parts  and  afterwards  consolidated 
into  one  volume.  The  sales  of  this  book  aggregated 
about  three-quarters  of  a  million  copies,  and  was  prob- 
ably the  most  popular  of  all  Iiis  books  in  the  West. 

The  burning  of  Pike's  Opera  House,  in  1865,  des- 
troyed the  entire  stock  of  Philip  Phillips  &  Co.,  and 
although  with  the  insurance  received  the  stock  was 
partly  replenished  and  the  business  transferred  to 
another  location  in  the  city,  yet  they  did  not  recover 
the  lost  trade,  and  in  1867  Mr.  Phillips  transferred  his 
headquarters  to  New  York  City,  where  they  remained 
until  his  death.  When  he  left  for  New  York  he  had 
about  ready  for  publication  his  "  Singing  Pilgrim," 
and  shortly  after  his  arrival  in  the  city  he  issued  the 
book.  It  proved  immensely  popular  in  every  section 
of  the  United  States,  but  more  especially  in  the  East, 


PHILIP  PHILLIPS  121 

while  it  outrivalled  its  successful  predecessor  in  the 
West.  Subsequently  he  edited  or  published  the  follow- 
ing and  in  the  order  here  given,  viz. :  "  Song  Life," 
"  Song  Sermons,"  "  New  Hymn  and  Tune  Book," 
"  Hallowed  Songs,"  "  American  Sacred  Songster," 
"  Home  Songs,"  "  Temperance  Songs,"  "  Standard 
Gems,"  "  Colonial  Singer,"  "  International  Song  Serv- 
ice," and  "  Our  New  Hymnal,"  of  which  the  "  American 
Sacred  Songster,"  issued  in  Great  Britain,  attained  a 
sale  of  over  one  million.  By  the  year  1868  the  story 
of  his  success  and  popularity  as  a  singer  and  composer 
had  reached  foreign  countries,  and  in  that  year  the 
London  Sunday  School  Association  invited  him  to 
give  one  hundred  evenings  of  sacred  song  in  that  city 
and  the  United  Kingdom,  for  which  they  agreed  to 
give  him  a  liberal  compensation.  He  accepted  it, 
made  the  tour,  and  returned  to  his  native  country 
with  additional  laurels.  A  few  years  later,  on  in- 
vitation, he  made  another  similar  visit  and  was  every- 
where received  with  unbounded  enthusiasm. 

In  18Y5  an  urgent  invitation,  accompanied  with 
a  pledge  of  a  handsome  remuneration  for  his  services, 
besides  an  ample  sum  for  expenses  of  himself  and 
family — a  wife  and  two  sons — he  left  San  Francisco 
for  Australia,  where  he  conducted  one  hundred  song 
services.  He  returned  to  l\ew  York  in  two  years, 
singing  en  route  at  Ceylon,  in  India,  Japan,  Jeru- 
salem, Egypt,  Italy,  and  various  places  in  the  conti- 
nent of  Europe  and  in  England,  where  he  tarried  long 
enough  to  give  two  hundred  "  song  services."  Having 
previously  sung  at  numerous  places  between  New  York 
and  San  Francisco,  this  last  trip  belted  the  world,  and 
the   most   remarkable   feature  of   this  "belting"  was 


122    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

that  he  returned  to  New  York  without  missing  any 
engagement  in  the  entire  circle  of  song.  During  this 
trip  he  had  numberless  delightful  experiencies,  but  the 
opportunity  which  he  had  and  embraced  of  singing  in 
the  "  Church  of  the  Nativity,"  in  Bethlehem,  he  al- 
ways regarded  as  the  greatest  privilege  of  his  life. 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  song  services  which 
Mr.  Phillips  held  :  "  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  972  ; 
Continental  Europe,  150  ;  Canada  and  Australia,  187  ; 
India,  Palestine  and  Egypt,  81  ;  United  States,  3,200. 
It  is  estimated  that  he  has  given  in  all  nearly  4,000 
services  for  benevolent  purposes,  exclusively,  which 
netted   for   various   worthy   charities  over  $112,000." 

He  was  a  deeply  pious  man,  and  his  songs  went  to 
the  hearts  of  his  hearers  with  happiest  effect. 

Mr.  Phillips'  book  entitled,  "  Round  the  World  with 
Descriptive  Songs,"  is  one  of  rare  excellence. 

His  warm  moral  nature  and  his  phenomenal  voice 
were  the  two  keys  which  opened  up  from  time  to  time 
the  avenues  to  his  success.  They  led  primarily  to  his 
business  partnership  in  Cincinnati,  and  to  his  famous 
debut  in  public,  in  1865,  at  a  vast  meeting  held  in 
Washington,  D.  C,  in  the  interest  of  the  Christian 
Commission.  This  meeting  was  presided  over  by  Sec- 
retary Seward,  was  attended  by  President  Lincoln  and 
other  distinguished  men.  A  great  singer,  well  known 
in  musical  circles,  had  been  duly  advertised  to  be  pres- 
ent, was  present  and  sang.  Mr.  Stuart,  the  president 
of  the  Commission,  had  heard  Mr.  Phillips  sing  and  in- 
vited him  to  be  present.  During  the  meeting  he  in- 
vited him  to  sing  and  he  responded  with  "  Your  Mis- 
sion." The  song,  the  singer,  the  cause  and  the  audi- 
ence were  all  en  rapport  and  the  effect  was  magical. 


PHILIP  PHILLIPS  123 

This  drew  out  from  President  Lincoln,  written  on  a 
scrap  of  program,  the  request  for  Mr.  Phillips  to  re- 
peat his  song  "  Your  Mission  "  ;  and  Mr.  Phillips,  hav- 
ing gone  into  the  meeting  a  comparative  stranger, 
went  out  with  a  name  to  be  heralded  throughout  the 
world.  The  other  singer,  who  went  in  with  eclat,  sang 
grandly  to  the  head  and  was  forgotten  ;  the  other  sang 
to  the  heart  and  was  immortalized.  His  voice  was  the 
magnet  that  drew  the  masses,  and  his  sweet  moral  na- 
ture the  tendrils  that  bound  them  to  him. 

Philip   Phillips   died  at   Delaware,  Ohio,  June  25, 
1895.     He  left  one  son. 


T.  M.  TOWNE. 


XIX 
T.  Martin  Towne 

TA  MAETIN  T0W:NE  was  born  in  the  little 
romantic,  hilly  town  of  Coleraine,  Franklin 
•  County,  Mass.,  May  31,  1835.  This  county 
is  distinguished  as  the  birthplace  of  a  number  of  cele- 
brated musicians — Clarence  Eddy,  W.  F.  Sherwin,  and 
others.  Mr.  Towne  has  been  heard  to  say  that  "  it  is  a 
good  county  to  be  born  in,  and  a  good  one  to  emigrate 
from." 

He  was  brought  up  on  a  farm,  attended  district  school 
and  the  old-fashioned  singing  school,  where  he  first  com- 
menced to  study  the  rudiments  of  music.  He,  however, 
gives  the  most  credit  to  his  father,  Dea  Arid  Towne, 
for  his  advancement.  It  was  he  that  inspired  the  boy 
to  persevere  in  gaining  the  mastery  over  the  difficulties 
of  reading  music  at  sight.  When  seventeen  years  of 
age  he  attended  Williston's  Seminary  at  East  Hampton, 
Mass.  Here  he  was  under  the  instruction  of  Professor 
Nason,  and  gained  the  complete  mastery  of  all  difficult 
rhythmic  forms  and  syncopation.  Professor  Nason 
gave  him  much  encouragement  and  advised  him  to 
study  in  Germany,  and  fit  himself  for  a  teacher. 

When  twenty  years  of  age  he  attended  a  musical 
convention  at  Shelburne,  Mass.,  under  the  direction  of 
the  late  Prof.  W.  F.  Sherwin.  ]\Ir.  Sherwin  made  a 
proposition  to  Mr.  Towne  to  study  with  him  and  ])ay 
for  his  tuition  in  vocal  and  instrumental  music  by  sing- 

125 


126    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

ing  in  his  choir  and  club.  He  accepted  and  removed 
to  Hudson,  N.  Y..  where  he  studied  two  years  the 
pianoforte,  singing  and  pedagogics.  He  then  re- 
moved to  Albany,  and  accepted  a  position  in  St. 
Peter's  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  as  tenor,  in  a 
quartet  choir.  He  afterwards  held  the  same  position 
in  Dr.  Ray  Palmer's  church  (author  of  "  My  Faith 
Looks  Up  to  Thee ") ;  while  in  Albany  he  was  the 
leading  tenor  of  that  city. 

After  four  years  of  preparation  he  left  to  go  west 
and  grow  up  with  the  country.  He  commenced  teach- 
ing in  Ypsilanti,  Mich.,  but  at  the  end  of  a  year  was 
called  to  Detroit  to  conduct  a  singing  society  and  teach 
vocal  music  in  the  public  schools,  being  the  first  teacher 
to  be  employed  by  the  Board  of  Education  to  teach 
that  branch.  During  these  years  he  attended  a  normal 
music  school  at  North  Reading,  Mass.,  and  studied  with 
Dr.  Lowell  Mason,  Geo.  F.  Root  and  Wm.  B.  Bradbury. 
He  cherishes  to  this  day  the  letters  and  words  of  rec- 
ommendation he  received  from  these  eminent  teach- 
ers, and  the  inspiration  and  culture  that  came  through 
mingling  with  so  many  prominent  and  talented  students. 

Early  during  the  war  Mr.  Towne  resigned  as  teacher 
in  the  public  schools  and  for  a  year  sang  with  the  old 
Continental  Yocalists.  While  w^ith  them  he  had  a  fine 
opportunity  of  ascertaining  the  taste  of  the  people  in 
music  and  learned  the  art  of  composing  and  arranging 
to  please  the  masses.  His  first  published  song  was 
"  Gentle  Be  Thy  Footfall."  This  manuscript  he  gave 
to  Mr.  S.  Brainard,  of  Cleveland,  who  published  it. 
After  several  years  Mr.  Brainard  presented  the  author 
with  fifty  copies  of  it,  saying  that  it  had  sold  very  well. 
Mr.  Towne  finally  settled  in  Janes ville,  AYis.,  where  he 


T.  MARTIN  TOWNE  127 

taught  one  year  and  then  enlisted  in  the  fortieth  regi- 
ment of  infantry.  He  was  appointed  principal  musician 
of  the  regiment  and  served  until  mustered  out.  After 
this  he  was  called  to  Milwaukee  to  teach  vocal  music  in 
the  Female  College  and  sing  in  Plymouth  Church.  He 
held  those  positions  two  years  and  composed  many 
songs  and  quartets.  He  then  removed  to  Chicago, 
where  he  has  since  lived. 

Since  going  to  Chicago  he  has  been  very  busy  lead- 
ing large  choirs,  holding  conventions,  and  composing. 
He  has  taught  much  in  summer  normals,  and  is  a 
strong  believer  in  such  schools.  He  was  one  of  the 
teachers  in  the  famous  normal  school  held  at  South 
Bend,  Ind.,  in  1870.  This  was  the  most  successful 
school  of  the  kind  ever  held ;  it  was  managed  by  Dr. 
Geo.  F.  Eoot.  At  this  school  Mr.  Towne  taught  the 
sopranos  in  voice  culture  ;  P.  P.  Bliss  the  basses  ;  Prof. 
O.  Blackman  the  altos  ;  Carlo  Bassini  gave  the  teachers 
lessons  in  classes  by  themselves  and  superintended  them 
in  their  individual  work.  Mr.  Towne  also  taught  one 
of  the  harmony  classes  and  sang  part  of  the  tenor  solos 
in  the  "  Creation  "  at  the  closing  concert.  The  faculty 
studied  harmony  under  Dr.  William  Mason.  Mr.  Towne 
remembers  these  lessons  with  much  pleasure.  The  time 
was  largely  spent  in  the  study  of  the  diminished  seventh 
chord — its  character  and  various  resolutions.  The 
Doctor  sometimes  complimented  our  friend  on  the  way 
he  worked  out  his  exercises,  but  one  day,  after  playing 
a  tune  through,  he  said  nothing,  and  Mr.  Towne  asked 
if  there  were  any  mistakes.  The  Doctor  replied  as  fol- 
lows :  "  No,  it  is  free  from  errors,  but  there  is  no  char- 
cicter  in  it.''^  This  opened  Mr.  Towne's  eyes,  and  ever 
since  then  he  has  tried  in  his  compositions  to  compose 


128    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

music  with  character  in  it.  He  endeavors  to  wed  mu- 
sic to  the  sentiment  expressed  in  the  words,  and  at  the 
same  time  not  to  write  so  difficult  as  to  debar  ordinary 
singers  from  using  it.  He  believes  that  the  strength  of 
music  is  not  alone  in  the  harmony,  but  in  the  harmony 
and  melody  combined. 

Mr.  Towne's  compositions  are  very  numerous  and 
varied ;  he  composes  Sunday-school  songs,  gospel  songs, 
hymn  tunes,  anthems,  ballads,  glees,  quartets,  cantatas, 
and  dramatic  pieces  with  equal  facility.  He  has  can- 
tatas for  Christmas,  Children's  Hay,  Harvest  Home, 
Easter,  missionary  concerts,  school  exhibitions,  temper- 
ance, etc.,  some  forty  in  all,  and  they  are  having  large 
sales.  "  Lost  and  Saved  "  (for  temperance)  has  had  no 
competitor  in  this  country  and  is  yet  being  given  all 
over  the  United  States. 

Among  his  most  popular  books  are  "  The  Cluster," 
"  Good  Will,"  "  Sabbath  Songs,"  "  Church  and  Prayer 
Meeting  Songs,"  "  Temperance  Anthems,"  "  Band  of 
Hope  Songs,"  "  Choir  Anthems,"  and  "  Anthems  of 
Joy,"  w^ith  Mr.  Straub  associate. 

He  has  composed  hundreds  of  sheet  songs,  duets,  and 
quartets. 

Mr.  Towne  has  been  the  musical  editor  for  the  enter- 
prising Sunday-school  publishing  house  of  David  C. 
Cook,  Chicago,  for  thirty  years,  and  considerable  of  his 
time  is  given  to  that  firm  ;  not  only  as  musical  editor, 
but  in  the  way  of  contributing  articles  on  music  and 
primary  teaching  in  Sunday-schools.  He  has  occasion- 
ally written  for  denominational  church  papers  on  con- 
gregational music  and  kindred  topics. 

He  has  a  pleasant  home  in  Chicago.  His  wife,  Mrs. 
Belle  Kellogg  Towne,  is  the  well-known  writer  for  the 


T.  MARTIN  TOWNE  129 

young,  and  for  many  years  has  been  the  managing 
editor  for  David  C.  Cook's  papers — TheYouny  People  a 
Weehly,  The  Weekly  Welcome  and  The  GirVs  Compan- 
ion. She  is  author  of  several  books.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Towne  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  and  are  active 
in  church  work. 


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WAI.   G.   FISCHER. 


XX 

William  G.  Fischer 

WILLIAM  G.  FISCHEK  was  born  in  Balti- 
more, Md.,  October  14,  1835.  His  father 
was  from  Wurtemburg,  Germany.  He  de- 
veloped as  a  child  his  inclination  towards  music,  and, 
at  the  age  of  eight,  would  start  the  singing  in  a  Ger- 
man church  in  Baltimore.  He  learned  to  read  music 
in  a  church  singing  class,  and  afterwards  studied  har- 
mony, piano  and  organ,  under  the  best  of  teachers.  He 
learned  the  book-binding  trade  at  J.  B.  Lippincott's, 
in  Philadelphia ;  and  spent  his  evenings  studying  and 
practicing  music.  He  had  much  experience  in  training 
and  leading  large  bodies  of  singers  of  all  ages ;  was 
much  sought  after  to  lead  choirs  and  choruses  in  sacred 
music  in  Philadelphia,  and  in  the  meantime  taught 
singing,  piano  and  the  theory  of  music. 

Mr.  Fischer  has  been  closely  connected  with  the 
Welsh  in  their  musical  festivals,  and  directed  the  com- 
bined Welsh  Societies  at  the  Bi-Centennial  of  the  land- 
ing of  William  Penn. 

In  1858  he  was  elected  Professor  of  Music  at  Girard 
College,  and  resigned  in  1868,  after  ten  happy  years. 
The  committee  showed  their  appreciation  of  him  and 
their  confidence  in  him  by  requesting  him  to  name  his 
successor.  Before  leaving  Girard  College  he  started  in 
the  piano  business,  Avhere  he  built  up  one  of  the  most 

131 


132    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

prosperous  piano  houses  in  the  country.  He  went  into 
partnership  with  Mr.  J.  E.  Gould,  a  partnership  which 
was  only  dissolved  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Gould  in  18 75. 
From  that  time  Mr.  Fischer  was  sole  proprietor  of  the 
large  business  house  for  a  number  of  years,  when  he 
took  his  oldest  son,  Charles,  into  partnership,  and  finally 
retired  in  1898,  being  succeeded  by  his  son. 

While  Mr.  Fischer  is  well  known  in  business  circles, 
also  as  a  teacher  and  leader  of  choirs  and  choruses, 
he  is,  perhaps,  best  known  as  a  composer  of  gospel 
songs,  many  of  Avhich  have  been  sung  wherever  the 
Gospel  has  been  preached.  He  was  often  urged  to 
write  and  publish  books  of  sacred  music,  but  in  this  he 
seemed  to  have  but  little  ambition,  and  has  contented 
himself  by  writing  and  supplying  others.  His  music 
may  be  found  in  all  of  the  standard  hymnals. 

Among  the  most  popular  of  his  hymns  are  the  follow- 
ing :  "  I  Love  to  Tell  the  Story,"  "  Whiter  than  Snow," 
"I  am  Trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee,"  "A  Little  Talk  with 
Jesus,"  "O,  'Tvvas  Love,  Wondrous  Love,"  "Waiting 
at  the  Pool,"  "  Valley  of  Blessing,"  and  many  others 
that  have  largely  influenced  burdened  souls  towards 
the  higher  and  better  life.  Mr.  Fischer's  gospel  songs 
are  characterized  by  a  distinctive  devotional  ring. 

He  resides  in  Philadelphia,  and  is  a  highly  respected 
Christian  gentleman.  While  he  is  well  advanced  in 
years,  we  hope  he  may  still  be  able  to  contribute  of  the 
genius  of  his  soul  in  gospel  song. 

Note. — Since  the  above  sketch  was  written,  Mr.  Wm.  G.  Fischer 
passed  to  his  reward,  which  occurred  August  13,  1912.  He  was  a 
good  man  and  he  loved  to  "  Tell  the  Story  "  of  Him  who  can  make  us 
''Whiter  than  Snow." 


THEO.   F.   SEWARD. 


XXI 

Theodore  Frelinghuysen  Seward 

THE  subject  of  our  sketch  came  from  a  distin- 
guished family,  Wm.  H.  Seward,  Secretary  of 
State  in  the  Lincoln  administration,  being  a 
second  cousin. 

Theodore  F.  Seward  was  born  in  Florida,  1^.  Y., 
January  25,  1835,  and  his  boyhood  days  were  spent  in 
his  native  town.  His  education  was  gained  in  the 
institute  at  Florida,  endowed  by  Judge  Seward,  a  rela- 
tive. Later  he  attended  the  Normal  Musical  Institute 
at  North  Keading,  near  Boston,  Mass.,  where  he  took 
several  courses  in  musical  training,  studying  with 
Lowell  Mason,  Geo.  F.  Root,  and  Thomas  F.  Hastings. 
While  at  this  institute  he  started  on  the  path  which 
led  him  to  his  later  notable  achievement.  He  loved 
musical  work,  and  adopted  it  as  his  life's  vocation. 
He  became  professor  in  the  Teachers'  College  in  New 
York,  where  he  soon  demonstrated  his  aptness  for 
imparting  his  knowledge  of  this  art  to  those  under  his 
charge.  This  institution  was  later  merged  into  Colum- 
bia University. 

While  living  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  Professor  Seward 
married  Miss  Mary  II.  Coggeshall,  of  New  London, 
Conn.,  on  June  12,  1860.  From  Rochester  he  moved 
to  Brooklyn,  and  then  to  Orange,  N.  J.,  going  to  the 
latter  place  in  1868.     Before  taking  up  the  larger  work 

135 


136    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

of  his  life  he  was  the  supervisor  of  music  in  the  public 
schools  of  Orange  and  contiguous  cities,  and  organist 
and  musical  director  in  several  of  the  churches.  He 
soon  achieved  national  fame  as  a  musical  composer, 
teacher,  editor  of  musical  periodicals  and  author  of 
educational  works.  He  was  for  many  years  associated 
in  musical  affairs  with  Dr.  Mason,  and  was  co-editor 
with  him  of  his  later  musical  and  educational  works. 

It  is,  perhaps,  difficult  to  tell  which  of  his  many 
excellent  compositions  has  gained  the  most  popularity, 
but  the  one  hymn  he  loved,  and  which  is  sung  in  all 
the  Protestant  Sunday-schools,  is  one  of  his  best,  "  Go 
and  Tell  Jesus."  He  introduced  the  tonic  sol-fa  system 
of  teaching  music  which  has  such  vogue  in  England. 

But  what  he  regarded  as  his  most  distinctive  and 
interesting  musical  work  was  recording  and  thus  pre- 
serving many  of  the  religious  melodies  of  the  Southern 
slaves,  known  as  "  spirituals,"  or  "  slave  songs,"  of 
which  "  Swing  Low,  Sweet  Chariot,"  and  "  Turn  Back, 
Pharaoh's  Army,"  are  types.  More  than  a  hundred  of 
these  which  he  collected  are  published  under  the  title 
of  "  Jubilee  Songs,"  by  the  Bigiow  &  Main  Co.,  of  New 
York  City.  This  work  was  done  in  connection  with 
the  famous  Fisk  Jubilee  Singers,  who  raised  several 
hundred  thousand  dollars  by  their  concerts  in  America 
and  Europe  for  their  University  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 
Mr.  Seward  was  musical  director  and  voice  trainer  for 
the  company  during  their  second  European  tour. 

AVith  the  advancing  years  his  kind  and  lovable  nature 
expanded  more  and  more.  New  fields  of  work  con- 
tinually opened  up  before  him.  He  was  the  very  em- 
bodiment of  a  nature  full  of  sunshine,  and  his  aim 
through  life  was  to  continually  infuse  as  much  of  love 


THEODOKE  FRELINGHUYSEN  SEWARD     137 

into  the  human  race  as  possible.  In  1891  lie  organized 
the  Brotherhood  of  Christian  Unity  ;  in  1897  the  Don't 
Worry  Club,  and  in  1901  the  Golden  Rule  Brotherhood. 

It  is  a  curious  fact  that  his  adoption  of  the  musical 
calling  developed  an  element  of  his  nature  which  in 
time  carried  him  out  of  the  vocation.  It  was  a  process 
of  evolution.  He  transferred  his  attention  from  the 
harmony  of  music  to  the  harmony  of  life — individual 
life  and  social  life  in  the  broadest  sense  of  that  word, 
which  necessarily  includes  the  religious  element. 

Professor  Seward  had  travelled  extensively  through 
Europe  and  the  United  States,  and  his  well-spent  life 
was  rounded  out  with  ripe  experiences  gained  from 
observation.  An  interesting  incident  occurred  while 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Seward  were  in  London,  England,  during 
the  Queen's  golden  jubilee.  The  great  audience  as- 
sembled at  the  Crystal  Palace,  desiring  to  conclude  the 
exercises  with  the  singing  of  "  God  Save  the  Queen," 
called  upon  Professor  Seward  to  lead  the  singing. 
Shortly  afterwards  they  attended  the  exercise  of 
twenty  thousand  children,  their  presence  being  un- 
known. When  it  was  learned  that  they  were  in  the 
hall  the  children  sang  one  of  the  Professor's  glees,  at 
the  conclusion  all  making  a  bow. 

Among  Professor  Seward's  treasured  keepsakes  was 
an  Oxford  Bible  given  him  in  London  by  D.  L.  Moody 
(as  a  souvenir  of  aid  he  gave  in  the  great  revival  of 
1875-1876),  in  which  the  above  and  other  eminent 
names  are  written. 

Among  the  numerous  musical  works  with  which 
Professor  Seward's  name  is  connected  as  author  or 
editor,  the  following  are  some  of  the  most  noted  : 
"The  Temple  Choir,"  "American  Tune  Book,"  "The 


138    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Singer,"  "  The  Coronation,"  "  Jubilee  Songs,"  "  Glee 
Circle  "  ;  in  association  with  Dr.  Lowell  Mason,  "  The 
Pestalozzian  Music  Teacher."  He  also  had  published  a 
number  of  tonic  sol-fa  works. 

He  was  editor  of  The  Neio  Yoi^h  Musical  Pioneer^ 
1864  ;  The  New  York  Musical  Gazette,  1867-1873  ;  The 
Tonic  Solfa  Advocate,  1881-1885  ;  Musical  Reform, 
1886-1888.  Among  the  religious  books  written  by 
Professor  Seward  we  mention  :  "  Heaven  Every  Day," 
"  The  School  of  Life,"  "  Don't  Worry  ;  or,  the  Scientific 
Law  of  Happiness,  "  "-  Spiritual  Knowing ;  or,  Bible 
Sunshine,"  "  How  to  Get  Acquainted  with  God,"  and 
many  pamphlets  and  tracts. 

Prof.  Theo.  F.  Seward  died  August  30,  1902,  at 
the  home  of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Thomas  G.  Bolles, 
Orange,  N.  J. 

May  his  songs  and  writings  continue  to  throw  rays  of 
sunshine  in  some  sad  heart. 


H.  P.  MAIN. 


XXII 

H.  P.  Main 

HUBERT  PLATT  MAIN,  son  of  Sylvester 
Main  (during  his  life  a  member  of  the  firm  of 
Biglow  &  Main),  was  born  at  Eidgefield, 
Conn.,  August  17,  1839. 

Mr.  Main  is  gifted  with  a  remarkable  memory.  He 
remembers  distinctly  things  that  occurred  as  far  back 
as  1842.  He  hasn't  forgotten  a  whipping  received  in 
that  year  for  repeatedly  running  off  from  home  at 
evenings  to  the  band  room,  hiding  under  the  benches 
and  listening  to  the  music. 

He  attended  the  district  school  from  1842  to  1854. 
His  father  was  an  old-fashioned  singing-school  teacher 
of  unusual  skill  and  success,  possessing  a  fine  voice. 
Hubert  began  attending  his  father's  singing  schools  at 
the  age  of  eleven,  although  for  a  time  he  did  not  take 
any  interest  in  anything  but  the  girls.  Finally  he  did 
give  enough  attention  to  observe  that  the  pupils  sang 
one  tone  for  a  note  that  was  on  a  line,  and  another  for 
the  note  that  was  above  the  line,  and  still  another  for  a 
note  below  the  line.  He  spoke  to  his  father  about  it, 
who  gave  him  a  few  words  of  explanation,  and  he  im- 
mediately began  to  study  the  tune  "  Burton,"  in  the 
"  Dulcimer,"  and  before  he  went  to  bed  he  could  read 
every  note  of  it. 

From  that  time  on  he  practiced  reading  notes  until 
he  could  read  anything  at  sight  by  the  syllables — do, 

141 


142    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

re,  mi.  Wherever  he  might  be  he  was  practicing  the 
do,  re,  mi's.  If  when  walking  on  the  street  any  air 
came  to  his  mind,  he  would  apply  the  syllables  to  it, 
and  sing  away.  He  continued  to  attend  singing 
schools  regularly  till  1854. 

In  April  of  this  year  he  went  to  New  York  City  and 
worked  as  errand  boy  in  a  wall  paper  house.  In  the 
fall  he  returned  to  Ridgefield  for  his  final  winter's 
schooling.  In  April  of  1855,  he  became  office  boy  in 
the  piano  house  of  Bristow  &  Morse.  The  Bristow  of 
the  firm  was  the  now  celebrated  composer,  Geo.  F. 
Bristow.  He  has  ever  since  been  one  of  Mr.  Main's 
warmest  friends. 

In  June  of  the  same  year  Mr.  Main  accepted  a  posi- 
tion as  salesman  in  a  gent's  furnishing  store,  continu- 
ing there  three  years,  at  the  same  time  playing  the 
melodeon  in  the  Forsyth  Street  M.  E.  Church  on  Sun- 
days. He  also  attended  singing,  and  devoted  all  his 
spare  time  to  music.  His  first  experience  in  compiling 
music  books  was  in  the  year  1855.  He  helped  his 
father  edit  the  "  Sunday  School  Lute,"  by  I.  B.  Wood- 
bury. 

Mr.  Wm.  B.  Bradbury  also  sought  the  assistance  of 
Mr.  Main's  father  in  the  compilation  of  his  books,  com- 
mencing with  "Cottage  Melodies  "in  1859,  and  con- 
tinuing till  his  death  in  1868.  At  this  time  the  house 
of  Biglow  ik  Main  was  formed  as  successors  to  the 
publishing  business  of  Wm.  B.  Bradbury.  During  all 
these  years  young  Main  assisted  his  father  in  editing 
the  books  of  AVoodbury  and  Bradbury,  in  which  he 
was  laying  the  foundation  of  his  own  skill,  for  which  he 
is  so  well  known. 

From  1858  to  1864  he  was  bookkeeper  for  the  piano 


H.  P.  MAIN  143 

house  of  Hazelton  Bros.  In  Kovember,  1864,  he  went 
to  Cincinnati  ostensibly  as  bookkeeper  for  the  piano 
house  of  Philip  Phillips  &  Co.,  really  to  arrange  his 
music  for  him.  After  one  year  he  returned  to  New 
York  and  married.  He  then  connected  himself  with 
the  firm  of  F.  J.  Huntington  &  Co.,  where  he  was 
especially  useful  on  account  of  his  knowledge  of  the 
copyrights  of  I.  B.  Woodbury. 

In  1866  he  assisted  Philip  Phillips  compile  the  second 
M.  E.  Church  Hymn  and  Tune  Book.  In  fact,  he  pre- 
pared almost  all  the  copy  and  read  all  the  proofs. 

In  1867  he  was  called  to  fill  a  position  in  tlie  pub- 
lishing house  of  Wm.  B.  Bradbury,  New  York,  and  has 
remained  with  Bradbury's  successors  ever  since  and  is 
now  treasurer  of  the  company.  With  but  few  excep- 
tions, every  publication  of  the  house  has  passed  through 
his  hands  in  the  making,  compiling,  editing,  proof-read- 
ing, etc.  His  acquaintance  with  Woodbury,  Bradbury, 
and  Thomas  J.  Cook  commenced  at  the  Fairfield 
County  (Conn.)  musical  conventions  between  1854  and 
1861,  and  later  in  New  York  with  Theo.  E.  Perkins, 
S.  J.  Yail,  Theo.  F.  Seward,  and  others. 

He  has  been  a  member  of  all  the  great  choral  bodies 
of  New  York,  such  as  the  New  York  Harmonic  (1867), 
G.  F.  Bristow,  F.  L.  Hitter,  conductors  ;  the  Mendelssohn 
Union  (1869),  Theo.  Thomas,  G.  F.  Bristow,  Otto  Singer, 
conductors  ;  the  Clinton  Yocal  Union,  Newark,  N.  J. 
(1877),  B.  C.  Gregory,  conductor  ;  the  Newark  Harmonic 
Society,  Dr.  L.  Damrosch,  conductor  ;  also,  the  Schubert 
Society  (1881),  L.  A.  Russell,  conductor  ;  the  New  York 
Oratorio  Society,  Dr.  L.  Damrosch,  conductor  ;  the  New 
York  Chorus  (1884),  Theo.  Thomas,  conductor. 

Mr.  Main  has  attended  hundreds  of  concerts,  and 


lU    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

has  heard  nearly  all  the  musical  celebrities  from  J  ulian 
in  1854  down.  He  has  never  done  any  teaching,  but 
was  choir  leader  and  organist  in  New  York  for  many 
years.  Mr.  Main  is  a  skillful,  prolific,  original,  and 
versatile  composer.  His  first  tune  was  written  in  1855, 
and  since  then  he  has  written  over  a  thousand  pieces — 
all  sorts — part  songs,  singing  school  pieces,  Sunday- 
school  songs,  hymn  tunes,  gospel  hymns,  anthems, 
sheet  music  songs,  love  songs,  quartets,  and  instru- 
mental pieces. 

The  only  instruction  in  harmony  and  musical  com- 
position he  has  ever  had  ^vas  one  quarter's  lessons 
with  Prof.  Geo.  W.  Pettit  and  another  quarter's  tuition 
with  the  venerable  Thos.  Hastings,  Mus.  Doc.  All  his 
other  musical  education  he  obtained  by  exercising  his 
Yankee  propensity  for  asking  questions. 

Among  fifty  or  more  pieces,  which  might  be  men- 
tioned as  his  most  popular  ones,  the  following  well- 
known  songs  may  be  named :  "  We  Shall  Meet  Beyond 
the  River,"  "  The  Bright  Forever,"  "  In  the  Fadeless 
Spring-time,"  "Clare — In  Heavenly  Love  Abiding," 
"  Blessed  Homeland,"  "  O  How  He  Loves,"  and  many 
others. 

Mr.  Main  is  a  veritable  antiquarian  in  old  music 
books.  This  propensity  asserted  itself  in  1861,  when 
he  dug  out  from  a  pile  of  rags  in  a  tin-shop  a  copy  of 
Daniel  Read's  "  Columbian  Harmonist,  No.  1,"  1Y93. 
His  collection  increased  until  1891  he  sold  to  the  New- 
berry Library  of  Chicago  over  thirty-five  hundred  vol- 
umes, where  they  are  known  as  the  "  Main  Librar}^" 
Among  the  number  were  over  two  hundred  American 
books  betw^een  1721  and  1810.  He  still  has  a  modest 
little  library  of  some  4,000  volumes.     He  has  musical 


H.  P.  MAIN  145 

autographs  and  manuscripts  of  many  of  the  musical 
celebrities. 

Mr.  Main  has  a  wonderful  memory  for  names  and 
dates.  He  knows  the  names  of  hundreds  of  tunes, 
their  authors,  with  date  of  birth  and  death,  and,  in 
many  cases,  the  date  of  the  copyright.  He  is  an 
authority  in  the  matter  of  copyrights,  and  can  tell  in 
most  cases  instantly  whether  a  song  is  copyrighted  and 
who  owns  it,  or  knows  where  to  look  for  the  informa- 
tion. In  this  respect  he  is  unique.  There  is  not  an- 
other individual  in  America,  so  far  as  we  know,  who 
knows  as  much  about  old  church  music,  especially 
that  of  American  origin,  as  he  does.  He  can  take  a 
new  hymn  and  tune  book,  and  go  through  it  and  mark 
every  well-known  tune  in  it,  and  many  of  the  less 
known  American  and  foreign,  as  regards  composer, 
owner,  copyright,  dates,  etc.,  at  a  single  sitting  without 
reference  to  his  library,  so  extended  is  his  knowledge 
and  so  reliable  his  memory.  His  knowledge  and  skill 
in  this  direction  render  his  services  invaluable  to  the 
publishers  who  have  been  so  fortunate  as  to  secure 
them. 

As  to  his  tastes  in  literature,  he  prefers  biography 
and  travels ;  is  fond  of  poetry  of  the  tender  and  pa- 
thetic ;  has  a  keen  sense  of  the  humorous,  and  is  espe- 
cially fond  of  the  comical ;  in  fact  he  can  write  a  pretty 
good  comic  verse  himself,  but  is  too  modest  to  show  it 
to  the  world. 

In  regard  to  his  religious  proclivities,  he  was  brought 
up  a  Methodist,  joined  the  chui'ch  in  1S54  before  he 
came  to  New  York ;  but  he  quaintly  says  that  he  is 
not  outrageously  pious,  and  could  laugh  at  a  funeral, 
even  his  own,  if  he  saw  anything  comical,  and  he  could 


140    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

just  as  easily  shed  tears  at  anything  tender  and  pa- 
thetic. 

He  is  full  of  sunshine  and  good  humor.  He  is  im- 
mensely entertaining  in  his  conversation,  and  one  of 
the  best  of  companions.  His  letters  to  his  friends  are 
usually  full  of  wit  and  humor.  He  remarks  that  he 
might  be  more  dignified,  but  it  would  increase  his 
doctor's  bills. 

Concerning  his  tastes  in  music,  he  believes  heartily 
in  music  for  the  masses,  and  endeavors  to  write  mostly 
that  grade  of  music.  He  believes  there  is  a  use  for, 
and  much  good  done  by,  gospel  hymns  and  much  other 
music  that  is  frequently  called  trashy.  While  he  re- 
spects all  great  composers  he  is  a  confirmed  Wagnerite, 
and  thinks  there  is  no  music  like  that  of  this  great 
master.     Personally  he  is  an  out  and  out  Wagnerite. 

Mr.  Main  is  old  enough  to  quit  work,  but  he  hasn't 
time  to  stop — so  he  is  "  still  at  it." 


,y' 


P 


J.  R.  SWENEY. 


XXIII 
John  R.  Sweney 

NOT  every  one  who  can  write  music  can  write 
such  as  will  sway  the  multitudes  and  satisfy 
the  demands  of  great  occasions.  The  subject 
of  our  sketch  was  one  of  the  most  successful  of  these. 
Mr.  Sweney  has  made  his  impress  on  the  religious 
world.  His  music  is  sung  everywhere,  and  if  he  had 
one  characteristic  more  than  another  it  was  that  of 
great  power. 

John  E.  Sweney  was  born  in  West  Chester,  Pa.,  De- 
cember 31,  1837.  He  gave  marked  indications  of  mu- 
sical ability  at  an  early  age.  While  yet  a  boy  he  began 
to  teach  music  in  the  public  school  and  to  lead  music 
in  the  Sunday-school.  This  musical  work  determined 
his  whole  future  life.  His  love  for  music  and  his  suc- 
cess in  it  led  him  to  choose  it  for  a  profession.  AVhile 
thus  teaching  and  leading  it  was  his  custom  to  occa- 
sionally compose  for  his  school. 

At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  began  the  study  of  music 
in  earnest  under  Professor  Bauer,  a  celebrated  German 
teacher.  He  took  lessons  on  the  violin  and  piano. 
About  this  time  he  was  chosen  leader  of  a  choir,  and 
was  also  in  constant  demand  for  children's  concerts 
and  entertainments,  as  well  as  the  conductor  of  a  glee 
club. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  was  called  to  teach  at 

149 


150    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Dover,  Delaware,  where  he  was  successfully  at  w^ork 
when  the  Avar  broke  out.  He  then  took  charge  of  the 
band  of  the  Third  Delaware  Reghnent,  and  continued 
till  bands  were  disbanded  by  the  government. 

After  returning  from  the  war  he  was  appointed 
Professor  of  Music  at  the  Pennsylvania  Military  Acad- 
emy, then  located  at  West  Chester,  Pa.  Previous  to 
this  time  he  had  written  several  pieces  for  the  piano, 
which  were  published.  Three  years  after,  the  Penn- 
sylvania Military  Academy  was  removed  to  its  present 
location,  Chester,  Pa.,  but  at  the  solicitation  of  many 
friends  he  remained  in  West  Chester,  and  put  his  energy 
into  his  teaching  there,  especially  his  band,  until 
"  Sweney's  Cornet  Band  "  became  famous  in  that  part 
of  the  state. 

About  1869  he  was  recalled  to  the  Pennsylvania  Mil- 
itary Academy,  and  moved  to  Chester,  where  he  was 
professor  of  music  in  that  institution  for  twenty-five 
years. 

In  1876  the  academy  conferred  on  him  the  degree  of 
Bachelor  of  Music,  and  in  1886,  the  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Music  was  conferred  on  him  by  the  same  institution. 

In  1871,  having  connected  himself  with  the  church 
in  Chester,  he  began  the  composition  of  sacred  music, 
and  soon  became  widely  known,  and  was  in  great  de- 
mand as  leader  of  large  congregations. 

For  many  years  he  led  the  vast  assemblies  at  the 
well-known  summer  meetings  at  Ocean  Grove,  N.  J. 
He  also  had  charge  of  the  music  at  Lake  Bluif,  near 
Chicago ;  at  New  Albany,  Ind. ;  Old  Orchard,  Me. ; 
Round  Lake,  N.  Y. ;  Thousand  Islands,  and  many  other 
places ;  in  fact,  he  was  one  of  the  most  popular  and 
successful  song  leaders  in  the  country.     It  was  a  com- 


JOHN  E.  SWENEY  151 

mon  saying  among  evangelists  that  "  Sweney  knows 
how  to  make  a  congregation  sing." 

For  ten  years  or  more  he  had  charge  of  the  music  at 
Bethany  Presbyterian  Church  and  Sunday-school  in 
Plnladelphia,  of  which  school  the  Hon.  John  Wana- 
maker  was  superintendent — one  of  the  largest  Sunday- 
schools  in  the  United  States. 

Mr.  Sweney  wrote  over  one  thousand  sacred  songs. 
Among  his  most  popular  ones  are  :  "  In  the  Morning," 
"  Light  after  Darkness,"  "  Sunshine  in  the  Soul,"  "  More 
about  Jesus,"  "  Tell  Me  How,"  "  Oh,  'tis  Glory,"  "  The 
New  Song,"  "  I  Will  Shout  His  Praise  in  Glory,"  etc., 
but  the  most  popular  and  widely  known,  and  the  one 
that  is  sung  in  almost  every  language,  is  "  Beulah  Land." 

His  first  Sunday-school  book,  the  "  Gems  of  Praise," 
Avas  issued  in  annual  numbers  beginning  in  1871  and  fin- 
ished in  1876.  He  was  then  associated  largely  with  Mr. 
Wm.  J.  Kirkpatrick  in  issuing  the  following  books : 
"  The  Garner,"  "  The  Quiver,"  "  The  Ark  of  Praise," 
"  Songs  of  Eedeeming  Love— Nos.  1  and  2,"  "  Joy  to 
the  World,"  "  Wells  of  Salvation,"  "  Gospel  Chorus  " 
(male  voices),  "  Our  Sabbath  Home,"  "Melodious  Son- 
nets," "Joyful  Sound,"  "On  Joyful  Wing,"  "Precious 
Hymns,"  "  Quartette,"  "  Trio,"  "  Temple  Trio,"  "  Ke- 
vival  Wave,"  "  Infant  Praises,"  "  Emory  Hymnal," 
"  Showers  of  Blessing,"  "  Temple  Songs,"  "  Prohibition 
Melodist,"  "  Sunlit  Songs,"  "  Radiant  Songs,"  "  Songs 
of  Triumph,"  "  Glad  Hallelujahs,"  "  Songs  of  Joy  and 
Gladness — Nos.  1  and  2,"  "  Hymns  of  the  Gospel — New 
and  Old  "  (published  in  London,  England),  two  anthem 
books  called — "  Anthems  and  Voluntaries  "  and  "  Ban- 
ner Anthems,"  and  in  connection  with  the  Hon.  John 
Wanamaker,  "  Living  Hymns."     Mr.  Sweney  also  Avrote 


152    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

a  number  of  services  and  cantatas,  and  associated  with 
Mr.  Kirkpatrick  a  temperance  cantata  entitled,  "  The 
Water  Fairies."  He  also  edited  a  number  of  other 
books. 

Mr.  Sweney  was  editor  or  associate  editor  of  about 
sixty  books.  He  spent  a  busy  life  and  was  v^ery  popu- 
lar. He  was  the  right  man  in  the  right  place. 
"  Blessed  is  the  man  who  has  found  his  work ;  let  him 
ask  no  other  blessedness."  "  Know  thy  work,  and  do 
it ;  and  work  at  it  like  Hercules." 

Mr.  Sweney  passed  away  peacefully  in  the  presence 
of  his  wife  and  children,  April  10,  1899. — A  life  well 
spent  in  the  service  of  Sacred  Song. 

''  Mourn  not  the  dead  whose  lives  declare 
That  they  have  nobly  borne  their  part, 
For  victory's  golden  crown  they  wear. 
Reserved  for  every  faithful  heart." 


W.  J.   KIRKPATRICK. 


XXIY 

Wm.  J.  Kirkpatrick 

THERE  are  but  few  gospel  song  composers  Avho 
are  better  and  more  favorably  known  than 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Wm,  J.  Kirkpat- 
rick, born  February  27,  1838.  His  father,  Thompson 
Kirkpatrick,  was  a  school  teacher  and  music  teacher, 
and  well  known  as  a  musician  in  Milflin,  Juniata,  Cum- 
berland and  Perry  Counties,  Pennsylvania. 

William  J.  grew  up  in  a  musical  atmosphere,  and  at 
an  early  age  learned  to  play  upon  the  fife,  flute,  violin, 
and  later  upon  the  violincello.  In  the  spring  of  1854 
he  left  his  home  in  Duncannon,  Perry  County,  Pa.,  for 
Philadelphia  to  study  music  and  learn  a  trade,  and 
served  over  three  years  at  carpentering.  He  was  much 
more  interested  in  music  than  in  mechanics,  devoting 
all  his  leisure  time  to  its  study.  His  ambition  at  this 
time  was  to  become  a  violinist. 

In  February,  1855,  he  joined  the  Wharton  Street 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  of  Philadelphia,  and  from 
that  time  devoted  himself  mostly  to  sacred  music,  giv- 
ing his  services  to  the  choir  and  Sunday-school.  As 
there  were  few  organs  in  the  churches  in  that  early 
day,  his  violin  and  'cello  were  in  constant  demand  for 
choir  rehearsals,  singing  societies  and  church  entertain- 
ments.    During  this  preliminary  time  he  composed  a 

155 


156    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

number  of  hymn  tunes  and  anthems,  but  they  were  not 
offered  for  publication. 

He  studied  vocal  music  under  Prof.  T.  Bishop,  then 
a  leading  oratorio  and  ballad  singer,  and  became  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Harmonia  and  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Sa- 
cred Music  Societies,  where  he  heard  the  greatest  sing- 
ers of  the  day  and  became  familiar  with  the  principal 
choral  works  of  the  great  composers. 

His  first  published  composition,  entitled,  "  When  the 
Spark  of  Life  is  Waning,"  appeared  about  1858,  in  the 
Mttsical  Pioneer^  of  New  York. 

In  1858,  at  twenty  years  of  age,  his  first  editorial 
work  was  begun  in  this  way :  One  Sunday  afternoon  at 
the  close  of  the  Sunday-school,  somebody  was  singing  a 
hymn  to  Mr.  A.  S.  Jenks,  Bible-class  teacher  and  musical 
enthusiast,  who  had  recently  published  a  large  collec- 
tion of  camp-meeting  songs  which  was  very  popular. 
While  the  hymn  was  being  sung,  young  Kirkpatrick 
wrote  off  the  melody,  harmonized  it  and  gave  it  to  Mr. 
Jenks,  who  seemed  amazed  at  this  exhibition  of  home 
talent.  Mr.  Jenks,  who  was  then  collecting  material 
for  a  music  edition  of  his  popular  book,  took  the  music 
to  his  musical  friends  in  New  York,  where  he  expected 
to  have  the  work  done.  The  arrangement  stood  the 
test  of  criticism,  and  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  was  engaged  to 
prepare  the  matter  for  the  typographers,  read  the 
proofs,  and  get  up  the  book. 

Soon  he  was  to  be  found  in  company  with  Mr.  Jenks, 
taking  down  melodies  at  camp-meetings  and  elsewhere 
from  many  of  the  famous  singers  of  that  kind  of  music. 
He  prepared  the  music  for  publication  in  "  Devotional 
Melodies,"  a  book  issued  by  Mr.  Jenks.  This  experi- 
ence had  much  to  do  in  giving  direction  to  the  de- 


WM.  J.  KIRKPATRICK  157 

velopraent  of  Mr.  Kirkpatrick's  talents  and  prepare  him 
to  write  the  many  popular  sacred  songs  which  appeared 
later. 

For  several  years  he  devoted  himself  exclusively  to 
the  study,  practice,  and  teaching  of  music,  giving  spe- 
cial attention  to  theory,  harmony,  and  composition 
under  the  excellent  instruction  of  Dr.  Leopold  Meignen, 
conductor  of  the  llarmonia  Society. 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick  was  married  in  1861,  and  in  Decem- 
ber of  the  same  year  connected  himself  with  the 
91st  Regiment  P.  Y.  (Col.  E.  M.  Gregory)  as  principal 
musician  (life  major).  He  remained  with  the  regiment 
in  that  capacity,  mostly  in  Washington  and  Alexandria, 
until  October  9,  1862,  when  his  position  was  abolished 
by  general  orders.  He  returned  to  Philadelphia,  but 
went  into  other  pursuits  at  that  time  more  remunerative 
than  music,  but  continued  his  work  and  interest  in 
choir,  Sunday-school,  and  singing-class  work,  being 
leader,  organist,  and  Sunday-school  chorister  in  several 
of  the  prominent  Methodist  and  other  churches  of  that 
city.  In  1865  he  was  elected  organist,  and  leader  of 
all  the  music  of  the  Ebenezer  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  which  position  he  held  at  three  different 
periods  for  over  seventeen  years.  He  studied  the  pipe 
organ  under  the  well-known  blind  teacher  and  organist 
of  St.  Steven's,  Mr.  David  D.  Wood.  Yocal  lessons 
were  received  from  some  of  the  great  Italian  teachers. 

He  was  again  engaged  by  Mr.  A.  S.  Jenks  to  super- 
vise the  issue  of  a  hymn  and  tune  book,  "  Heart  and 
Yoice.''  The  entire  work  of  selecting,  classifying,  and 
arranging  the  twelve  hundred  hymns,  with  approj)riate 
tunes,  of  this  four  hundred  and  forty-eight  page  book 
was  committed  to  his  care.     On  the  completion  of  this 


158    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

book  in  1866  he  accepted  a  responsible  position  in  a 
furniture  manufactory,  of  Philadelphia,  where  he  re- 
mained, with  a  short  interruption,  for  ten  years.  Dur- 
ing the  latter  part  of  this  time,  from  1872  to  1875,  his 
first  popular  gospel  songs,  w^ords  and  music  were  written 
and  published.  "  Resting  at  the  Cross,"  "  Sweetly  I'm 
Resting  in  Jesus,"  "  Beautiful  Day,"  "  Companionship 
with  Jesus,"  "  Entire  Consecration,"  "  Wait  and  Mur- 
mur Not,"  etc. ;  also  "  Leaflet  Gems,  Nos.  1  and  2," 
were  all  issued  in  1875.  "  Precious  Songs  "  was  pub- 
lished in  conjunction  with  Rev.  J.  H.  Stockton,  whose 
beautiful  and  popular  melodies  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  had 
been  arranging  and  harmonizing  for  several  years 
before. 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick's  songs  were  now  in  great  demand, 
and  several  publishers  procured  a  number  of  his  composi- 
tions. About  this  time  he  became  acquainted  with  Mr. 
John  R.  Sweney,  of  Chester,  Pa.,  who  was  then  making 
his  mark  in  musical  composition,  and  it  was  not  long 
before  a  proposition  was  made  and  accepted  to  unite 
their  efforts  on  a  book. 

Upon  the  death  of  his  wife  in  May,  1878,  and  the 
dissolution  of  the  co-partnership  of  the  firm  with  which 
he  had  been  engaged,  a  month  later,  he  resolved  to 
abandon  the  furniture  business  entirely,  and,  after  an 
extensive  tour  through  the  country  during  June,  July 
and  August,  he  began  in  September,  1878,  to  devote 
his  entire  time  to  the  composition  and  teaching  of 
music — organ,  piano  and  singing.  In  1880  his  first 
book  as  an  associate  of  Mr.  Sweeney,  the  "  Quiver  of 
Sacred  Song,"  was  published  by  Mr.  John  J.  Hood. 

From  1880  to  1897  in  connection  with  Professor 
Sweney,  forty -nine  books  were  issued  by  eight  publishers 


WM.  J.  KIRKPATHICK  159 

in  the  United  States,  and  one  in  London,  England. 
This  list  includes  six  books  especially  prepared  for 
Sunday-schools,  and  five  anthem  books  for  the  choir, 
but  does  not  include  the  many  small  books,  nor  annuals 
and  services  for  Easter,  Children's  Day,  Christmas,  etc. 
All  of  these  publications  sold  well,  and  the  aggregate 
sales  foot  up  into  the  millions. 

From  18S6  to  December,  1897,  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  had 
charge  of  all  the  music  in  Grace  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  Philadelphia.  He  gave  up  teaching  music  in 
1889,  and  devoted  all  of  his  time  to  composition,  church 
and  Sunday-school  work,  convention  and  camp-meeting 
singing,  where  he  has  taken  great  pleasure  and  interest 
in  leading  the  people  in  sacred  song,  and  obtaining  the 
best  possible  results  with  the  least  amount  of  self -dis- 
play. 

Since  the  death  of  Mr.  Sweney,  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  has 
given  up  all  of  his  public  leading  and  singing,  but  has  still 
been  adding  to  his  list  of  books.  And  since  1897  no 
less  than  forty-two  have  been  issued,  upon  which  ap- 
pears his  name  as  editor  or  associate  editor,  besides 
many  smaller  books,  services,  etc.,  which  bear  the  im- 
print of  over  a  score  of  publishers. 

Among  the  best  known  of  his  recent  books  are : 
"  Young  People's  Hymnal,  JSTos.  1,  2  &  3,"  ''  Sunday 
School  Praises,"  "  Jubilant  Voices,"  "  Devotional 
Songs,"  "  Glorious  Praise,"  "  The  Redeemer's  Praise," 
"  Joy  and  Praise,"  "  Hymns  and  Spiritual  Songs,  No. 
2,"  etc. 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick  was  married  the  second  time,  Octo- 
ber, 23,  1893,  to  Mrs.  Sara  Kellogg  Bourne,  of  J^ew 
York.  During  1905  they  travelled  together  through 
France,  Germany,  Switzerland  and  England. 


160    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick  is  president  of  the  Praise  Publishing 
Company,  of  Philadelphia.  He  is  a  busy  man  and  al- 
ways does  his  work  in  a  scholarly  manner. 

He  resides  in  Philadelphia,  but  spends  several  months 
each  year  in  his  winter  home,  "  Sunny  Croft,"  Winter 
Park,  Florida. 


REV.   E.   A.   HOFFMAN. 


XXY 

Rev.  Elisha  A.  Hoffman 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Elisha  A.  Hoffman, 
was  born  in  Orwigsburg,  Schuylkill  County, 
Pa.,  on  the  seventh  day  of  May  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1839.  His  parents,  Francis  A.  and 
Kebecca  A.  Hoffman,  were  Pennsylvania  Germans. 
His  father  was  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  in  the  Evangel- 
ical Association,  and  rendered  over  sixty  years  of  serv- 
ice in  preaching  the  word. 

He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Philadelphia, 
the  city  of  Brotherly  Love,  and  graduated,  in  the  scien- 
tific course,  from  the  Central  High  School.  Afterwards 
he  took  up  the  classics  and  completed  a  classical  course 
in  Union  Seminary,  of  the  Evangelical  Association. 
For  eleven  years  he  was  connected  with  the  Associa- 
tion's publishing  house  in  Cleveland,  Ohio.  His  musical 
education  was  limited.  He  is  no  graduate  from  any 
School  of  Music,  but  the  best  of  all  he  is  a  natural 
musician.  All  the  musical  knowledge  he  has  was  gained 
by  personal  application. 

Mr.  Hoffman's  first  impressions  of  music  came  from 
hearing  the  voice  of  sacred  song  in  the  home.  His  par- 
ents both  had  sweet  voices  and  sang  well.  It  was  their 
custom,  in  the  hour  of  family  worship,  both  morning 
and  evening,  to  sing  one  or  two  hymns.  The  children 
early  became  familiar  with  these  hymns  and  learned  to 

163 


16^    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

love  them  and  to  feel  their  hallowing  and  refining 
power.  Their  lives  were  marvellously  influenced  by 
this  little  service  of  song  in  the  home.  A  taste  for 
sacred  music  was  created  and  developed,  and  song  be- 
came as  natural  a  function  of  the  soul  as  breathing  was 
a  function  of  the  body. 

Under  the  power  of  such  an  environment,  Mr.  Hoff- 
man came  to  consciousness  of  a  princely  possession  with 
which  God  had  endowed  him — the  ability  to  express 
his  intuitions  and  conceptions  in  meter  and  song.  His 
inner  being  thrilled  Avith  inspirations,  longing  for  ex- 
pression, and  he  used  the  power  with  which  God  had 
clothed  him  in  the  production  of  the  many  songs  which 
bear  his  name.  His  first  composition  was  given  to  the 
world  when  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age.  Since  then 
heart  and  brain  and  pen  have  been  very  prolific  in  the 
birth  of  songs. 

Over  two  thousand  of  his  compositions  are  in  print. 
He  has  assisted  in  the  compilation  and  editing  of  fifty 
different  song  books,  some  of  which  have  received 
marked  favor  and  have  been  issued  in  large  editions. 
All  have  accomplished  a  measure  of  good,  and  have 
proved  a  blessing  to  the  world.  Many  separate  com- 
positions have  been  translated  into  the  languages  of  dif- 
ferent countries,  and  from  these  many  countries  have 
come  letters  expressing  gratitude  to  the  author  for  their 
helpfulness  and  inspiration. 

In  the  larger  number  of  his  musical  compositions  Mr. 
Hoffman  is  the  author  of  both  the  ^vords  and  music. 
When  a  melody  is  born  in  his  soul,  appropriate  words 
seem  to  be  immediately  associated  with  the  melody  ;  or, 
when  a  conception  in  his  mind  crystallizes  into  a  hymn, 
usually  there  is  present  the  suggestion  of  a  melody  that 


REV.  ELISHA  A.  HOFFMAN  1G5 

will  give  adequate  and  fitting  expression  to  the  mental 
conception.  There  are  exceptions,  but  this  is  the  rule 
which  governs  him  in  his  musical  writings. 

Among  his  most  popular  and  useful  songs  are : 
"What  a  Wonderful  Saviour,"  "Enough  for  Me," 
"Are  You  Washed  in  the  Blood?"  "No  Other 
Friend  Like  Jesus,"  "  I  Must  Tell  Jesus,"  and  many 
others. 

Mr.  Hoffman  has  been  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  for 
many  years,  and  is  at  present  the  pastor  of  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church  of  Benton  Harbor,  Michigan,  and 
has  served  this  church  in  this  relation  for  over  thirteen 
years.  While  his  ministry  in  the  churches  which  he 
has  served  has  been  fruitful,  his  songs  in  the  good 
which  they  have  done  have  constituted  a  still  larger 
ministry.  Through  his  songs  he  preaches  to  many 
thousands  who  never  hear  his  voice. 


FRANK  M.  DAVIS. 


XXYI 

Frank  M.  Davis 

No  doubt  every  reader  of  these  lines  has  often 
sung  "  Lord,  I  care  not  for  riches  "  (with  a 
reservation  in  some  cases,  perhaps,  but  none 
the  less  with  pleasure  and  spiritual  exaltation).  It  is  a 
popular  song  and  the  people  will  sing  it  regardless  of 
what  the  critics  may  say. 

He  wrote  many  other  songs  that  are  as  good  and 
nearly  as  popular,  for  instance,  "  Lead  Me,  Saviour," 
"Sheltered  in  Thee,"  "Flash  the  Toplights,"  "In 
AVhom  I  have  Eedemption,"  "  All  the  AVay,"  "  As 
We've  Sown  so  Shall  We  Eeap,"  etc. 

The  song  entitled,  "  Is  My  Name  Written  There  ?  " 
was  composed  in  the  month  of  July,  1876,  while  the 
author  was  at  Burr  Oak,  Mich.  "  Lead  Me,  Saviour  " 
was  w^ritten,  both  words  and  music,  on  deck  of  an 
incoming  steamer  that  plies  between  Baltimore  and 
Savannah.  It  was  a  lovely  August  day  in  1880  and 
the  steamer  was  making  her  way  up  the  Chesapeake 
Bay  bound  for  Baltimore.  In  all  the  numerous  books 
in  which  the  song  is  to  be  found,  it  stands  just  as 
written  on  the  steamer,  although  it  was  not  played  or 
sung  for  many  days  afterwards. 

Frank  M.  Davis  was  born  January  23,  1839,  on  a 
farm  near  the  town  of  Marcellus,  Onondaga  Count}^ 
N.  Y.  He  was  the  youngest  in  a  family  of  ten  chil- 
dren.    The   family   was   musical,   although   none   but 

167 


168    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Frank  chose  music  for  a  profession.  AVhen  a  mere  boy 
he  began  composing  tunes,  and  setting  words  to  them, 
although  he  had  never  studied  the  laws  of  harmony. 
These  were  crude  and  imperfect  compositions,  of 
course,  but  with  a  persistent  study  of  new  music  and 
a  careful  observation  of  the  construction  of  tunes  he 
kept  improving,  and  although  his  father  had  set  his 
mind  on  making  a  farmer  of  him,  he  finally  acceded  to 
his  son's  wishes  to  the  extent  of  buying  him  an  instru- 
ment ;  not  a  grand  piano,  however,  but  a  four  octave 
Prescott  Melodeon.  The  little  treasure  was  brought 
into  the  house  on  March  4,  1857.  If  the  boy  could 
have  written  his  now  famous  song  at  that  time  it 
would  have  exactly  expressed  his  sentiments. 

Up  to  this  time  he  had  attended  the  village  singing 
schools,  and  was  quite  proficient  in  vocal  music,  and 
wath  the  advent  of  his  melodeon  he  began  the  study 
of  instrumental  music.  It  was  not  long  till  the 
melodeon  was  exchanged  for  a  piano  and  his  studies 
took  on  a  larger  range  with  more  earnestness.  Mr. 
Davis  travelled  extensively,  principally  in  the  Eastern 
and  Southern  states.  He  lived  at  different  times. in 
Marcellus,  N.  Y.,  Yicksburg,  Miss.,  Baltimore,  Md., 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Burr  Oak,  and  Findley,  Mich.  Be- 
ing of  a  retiring  disposition,  he  did  not  seek  to  make  him- 
self known,  and  w^as  extremely  modest ;  yet  the  music 
which  he  sent  forth  won  for  him  a  name  and  fame 
which  shows  how  earnestly  and  faithfully  he  devoted 
himself  to  his  chosen  profession. 

He  taught  vocal  classes  and  had  charge  of  choirs 
in  various  places  and  sang  solos  with  great  acceptance. 
He  also  did  much  instrumental  teaching.  His  first 
composition  given  to  the  public  was  a  march  printed 


FRANK  M.  DAVIS  169 

in  the  Waverly  Magazine.  His  first  book  for  Sunday- 
schools,  "  New  Pearls  of  Song,"  was  published  in  1877. 
Since  that  time  he  had  published  nine  other  books  for 
Sunday-schools  and  temperance  workers,  all  of  which 
were  well  received  and  found  ready  sale.  "  Notes  of 
Praise,"  published  by  himself,  has  reached  near  the 
100,000  mark.  His  songs  and  music  can  be  found  in 
nearly  every  music  book  ])u  Wished.  He  was  also 
author  of  over  one  hundred  pieces  of  vocal  and  instru- 
mental compositions  published  in  sheet  form. 

Besides  being  a  good  musician,  Mr.  Davis  was  an 
artist  of  more  than  ordinary  ability,  as  was  evinced  by 
the  many  beautiful  pictures  in  oil,  water  color,  and 
crayon  which  adorned  the  homes  of  his  many  friends 
where  he  visited.  He  was  always  busy  with  pen  or 
brush  when  he  was  not  engaged  in  study.  He  was  a 
man  of  sterling  qualities  whose  heart  was  tilled  with 
charity  and  brotherly  love  for  all  humanity.  His 
music  breathes  forth  that  joyous,  buoyant  and  sym- 
pathetic spirit  which  was  his,  and  which  he  ever  tried 
to  infuse  into  the  souls  of  others. 

Mr.  Davis  died  very  suddenly  of  heart  failure 
August  1,  1896,  at  Chesterfield,  Indiana,  camp  meet- 
ing, where  he  had  gone  with  friends  to  spend  a  few 
weeks  basking  in  the  sunshine  of  true  spirituality,  in 
which  sort  of  religion  he  had  been  a  lifelong  believer. 
Mr.  Davis  was  never  married.  His  cousin,  Mr.  M.  A. 
Dexter,  took  his  remains  to  Findley,  Mich.,  for  inter- 
ment. The  funeral  was  held  at  the  home  of  Mr. 
Dexter,  where  ^Ir.  Davis  had  made  his  home  at 
various  times,  and  where  his  last  book,  "  l]rightest 
Glory,"  was  edited  and  prepared  for  the  press,  music 
from  which  was  sung  on  the  occasion  of  his  funeral. 


170    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

There  are  thousands  upon  thousands  who  have  been 
cheered  and  blessed  by  his  songs.  Dead,  yet  will  he 
speak  through  coming  years  in  the  beautiful  melodies 
which  he  created. 


E.  R.  LATTA. 


XXYII 

E.  R.  Latta 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Eden  Keeder  Latta, 
was  born  March  24,  1839,  near  Ligonier, 
Noble  County,  Indiana.  This  is  a  beautiful 
section  of  country  known  as  "  The  Haw  Patch."  This 
section  was  also  the  early  home  of  the  well-known 
writer  and  musician,  the  late  W,  A.  Ogden.  The  two 
boys  associated  together  and  were  always  very  intimate 
friends.  In  after  years  Professor  Ogden  purchased  a 
great  many  hymns  from  Mr.  Latta,  and  set  them  to 
music,  some  of  which  became  quite  popular.  Of  a 
number  of  Mr.  Latta's  hymns.  Professor  Ogden  said  : 
"  They  are  the  very  cream  of  Sunday-school  song." 

In  his  early  career  as  a  hymn  writer,  he  composed 
his  "  Whiter  Than  Snow  "  for  Dr.  H.  S.  Perkins,  of 
Chicago,  who  wrote  music  to  the  words,  and  the  song 
was  published  in  his  book,  "  The  River  of  Life,"  by 
Oliver  Ditson  Company,  of  Boston.  The  piece  sprang 
into  immediate  and  immense  popularity,  and  be- 
sides being  copied  into  many  works,  it  was  translated 
into  other  languages,  for  the  use  of  missionaries.  Mr. 
Latta  attributes  the  great  popularity  and  the  long  life 
of  the  hymn  to  Dr.  Perkins'  excellent  music  which  he 
wrote  to  the  words,  but  he  says,  "  the  words  inspired 
the  music."  It  is  the  perfect  wedding  of  both  words 
and  music,  that  gives  lustre,  beauty,  and  power  to  a 

173 


174    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

composition.  These  wonderful  sermons  in  gospel  song 
are  a  power  for  good  beyond  expression. 

He  has  written  a  number  of  hymns  for  Mr.  E.  S. 
Lorenz,  as  well  as  for  many  other  publishers  and  com- 
posers. The  beautiful  poem  which  Mr.  Latta  composed 
entitled,  "  No  More  Good-Byes,"  and  set  to  music  by 
Mr.  J.  H.  Fillmore,  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  songs 
of  its  class.  All  Christian  people  are  travelling,  and 
hoping  at  last  to  reach  that  far-off  home,  where  there 
will  be  "  No  more  good-byes." 

A  number  of  years  ago  he  wrote  nine  hymns  in  one 
day  for  Mr.  James  McGranahan,  now  deceased.  He 
was  informed  that  his  hymns  would  go  into  competition 
with  the  efforts  of  the  ablest  hymn  writers.  Out  of  the 
nine  hymns,  six  were  taken,  at  $2.50  each. 

One  of  his  hymns,  entitled,  "  Wandering  Aw^ay,"  was 
published  in  the  "  Harvest  Bells,"  by  Rev.  W.  E.  Penn, 
the  noted  Baptist  evangelist,  now  deceased.  Of  this 
hymn  Mr.  Penn  said,  "  I  have  seen  over  five  hundred 
people  come  forward  for  prayer  while  this  hymn  was 
being  sung." 

Mr.  Latta  has  written,  in  all,  upwards  of  sixteen  hun- 
dred songs  and  hymns.  In  connection  with  his  song 
and  hymn  writing,  he  has  revised  hundreds  of  compo- 
sitions for  others :  and  from  as  far  away  as  Central 
America. 

Last  summer  while  Mr.  Latta  was  attending  the 
Presb^'^terian  Chautauqua  and  Bible  Conference,  at 
Winona  Lake,  Indiana,  he  was  the  recipient  of  many 
kind  attentions,  largel}^  on  account  of  the  good  record 
which  a  number  of  his  hymns  have  made.  It  does  us 
all  good  to  meet  the  composer  of  the  hymns  and  songs 
that  we  use  so  frequently  in  our  devotions. 


E.  E.  LATTA  1Y5 

He  has  done  a  good  work,  and  his  hymns  will  live 
and  speak  consolation  to  weary  souls,  when  the  author 
shall  have  passed  over  the  river  to  join  his  loved  ones 
who  have  gone  on  before. 


p.  p.  BLISS. 


XXYIII 

P.  P.  Bliss 

PHILIP  PAUL  BLISS  was  born  in  Clearfield 
County,  Pa.,  July  9,  1838.  His  father  and 
mother  were  religious  and  musical,  and  the 
home  influence  was  such  as  to  make  good  and  lasting 
impressions  upon  the  boy.  He  early  developed  a  passion 
for  music,  and  would  sit  and  listen  with  delight  to  his 
parents  singing  when  but  a  child,  and  very  early  sang 
with  them. 

The  first  piano  he  ever  saw  was  when  he  was  about 
ten  years  of  age.  He  was  a  large  overgrown  boy,  and 
one  day  down  in  the  village,  as  he  w^as  passing  by  a 
house,  he  heard  the  sweetest  music  of  his  life.  The 
door  stood  open  and  he  was  irresistibly  drawn  towards 
the  sweet  sounds  that  came  from  within.  He  was 
barefoot,  and  entered  unobserved  and  stood  at  the 
parlor  door  listening,  entranced,  as  a  young  lady 
played  upon  the  piano.  As  she  ceased  playing  he  ex- 
claimed with  an  intense  desire,  "  Oh,  lady,  play  some 
more."  She  looked  around  surprised,  and  with  no  ap- 
preciation of  the  tender  heart  that  had  been  so  touched 
by  her  music,  said,  "  Go  out  of  here  with  your  great 
feet,"  and  he  went  away  crushed,  but  with  the  mem- 
ories of  harmonies  that  seemed  to  him  like  heaven. 

His  youthful  da3^s  were  spent  on  a  farm  or  in  a 
lumber  camp,  with  the  schooling  the  country  afforded. 
In  1850  he  made  a  public  profession  of  Christ.     He 

177 


178    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

was  immersed  by  a  minister  of  the  Christian  Church. 
He  afterwards  became  a  member  of  a  Baptist  church 
that  was  near  the  school  he  was  attending  at  Elk  Run, 
Pa.     He  was  naturally  very  religious  from  boyhood. 

In  1855  he  spent  the  winter  in  a  select  school  at 
East  Troy,  Pa.  In  1856  he  worked  on  a  farm  in  the 
summer  and  taught  school  in  the  winter  at  Hartsville, 
N.  Y.  He  was  then  but  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  his 
quickness  of  mind  for  learning,  and  his  industry  in  the 
improvement  of  opportunities,  are  in  a  marked  way  in- 
dicated by  the  fact  that  he  was  fitted  to  become  a 
teacher. 

The  following  winter  he  received  his  first  systematic 
instruction  in  music.  The  school  was  taught  by  Mr. 
J.  G.  Towner,  father  of  D.  B.  Towner.  The  same 
winter  he  attended  a  musical  convention  at  Rome,  Pa. 
In  the  providence  of  God  the  convention  was  in  charge 
of  Wm.  B.  Bradbury.  From  the  time  of  this  meeting 
Mr.  Bliss  cherished  a  deep  affection  for  Mr.  Bradbury, 
and  a  reverence  for  the  gifts  God  had  bestowed  upon 
him  as  a  composer. 

In  1858  Mr.  Bliss  taught  in  Rome  Academy,  Rome, 
Pa.  He  boarded  in  the  family  of  O.  F.  Young.  Here 
he  met  the  one  who  was  as  dear  to  him  as  the  apple 
of  his  eye  in  the  person  of  Miss  Lucy  Young.  They 
were  married  June  1,  1859. 

In  July  and  August  of  1860  a  Normal  Academy  of 
music  was  held  in  Geneseo,  N.  Y.,  by  T.  E.  Perkins, 
T.  J.  Cook,  Bassini,  and  others.  Mr.  Bliss  attended, 
afterwards  taking  up  music  teaching  as  a  profession. 
He  also  attended  the  same  normal  in  1861  and  1863. 
In  these  times  his  teaching  was  done  in  the  winter 
months.     He  worked  on  the  farm  during  the  summer. 


p.  p.  BLISS  179 

The  instructors  of  Mr.  Bliss  at  these  normals  all  speak 
in  the  highest  terms  of  his  unusual  intelligence  and  re- 
markable proficiency. 

Dr.  Root  said  that  "  some  time  in  1863  he  received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Bliss  that  interested  them  very  much. 
It  accompanied  the  manuscript  of  a  song.  Would  we 
give  the  writer  a  flute  for  it,  was  the  substance  of  the 
letter,  expressed  in  a  quaint  and  original  way,  and  in 
beautiful  handwriting.  We  were  on  the  lookout  for 
bright  men,  and  we  felt  sure  that  here  was  one.  The 
song  needed  some  revising,  but  we  took  it  and  sent 
him  the  flute. 

"Later  we  made  arrangements  with  Mr.  Bliss  to 
come  to  Chicago.  It  was  agreed  that  he  would  go  as 
our  representative  to  tow^ns  that  would  naturally  be 
tributary  to  Chicago,  and  hold  conventions  and  give 
concerts  (his  wife  being  his  accompanist),  and  so  turn 
people's  attention  to  us  for  whatever  they  might  want 
in  the  way  of  music.  For  this  service  we  guaranteed 
him  a  certain  annual  sum.  If  his  concerts  and  conven- 
tions did  not  reach  that  amount  we  were  to  make  it  up. 

"  Mr.  Bliss  was  constantly  composing,  and  I  soon 
saw  that  there  was  a  man  who  had  a  '  call '  both  as  a 
poet  and  melodist.  His  songs  have  been  a  wonderful 
power  for  good." 

For  four  years  Mr.  Bliss  remained  in  the  employ  of 
Boot  &  Cady,  holding  conventions  and  giving  concerts 
in  towns  of  the  Northwest.  He  afterwards  continued 
the  same  work  four  years  more  independently.  It  was 
in  the  summer  of  1869  that  he  first  met  Mr.  Moody. 
After  that  he  frequently  led  the  music  in  the  great 
preacher's  meetings. 

Mr.   C.  M.  AVyman,  since  deceased,  was  at  this  time 


180    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

working  with  Air.  Bliss,  writing  songs.  They  both 
being  earnest  Christian  men,  attended  Mr.  Mood3"'s 
meetings  together.  Mr.  D.  W.  Whittle  says  that  he 
thinks  Mr.  Moody  got  his  first  impression  of  the  power 
of  solo  singing  in  gospel  work  from  these  two  men. 
The  first  associated  work  of  Mr.  Whittle  and  Mr.  Bliss 
was  in  a  Sunday-school  convention  at  Winnebago,  111. 
Mr.  Whittle  was  invited  to  address  the  convention,  and 
was  told  to  bring  a  singer  with  him.  Mr.  Moody  was 
consulted  as  to  a  singer,  and  the  result  was  Mr.  Bliss 
was  chosen.  He  made  a  fine  impression  on  the  con- 
vention. 

He  was  then  engaged  to  take  charge  of  the  music  in 
the  First  Congregational  Church  of  Chicago.  After 
three  years,  he  resigned  to  enter  the  field  as  singing 
evangelist  with  Major  Whittle. 

Mr.  Moody,  who  was  at  this  time  in  Scotland  (in  the 
winter  of  1873-1874),  wrote  a  number  of  letters  to  Mr. 
Bliss,  urging  him  to  drop  everything  else  and  sing  the 
Gospel.  He  also  wrote  many  letters  to  Major  Whittle, 
urging  that  they  two  should  go  together  and  hold 
meetings.  They  finall}^  concluded  to  try  a  meeting  or 
two,  letting  the  results  help  them  to  decide.  The  first 
meeting  was  held  in  Waukegan,  111.,  March  24th-26th. 
The  meeting  was  a  memorable  one.  Major  AA^hittle 
says  concerning  it :  "  We  returned  to  Chicago  praising 
God ;  Bliss  to  find  substitutes  for  his  conventions,  and 
I  to  resign  my  business  position." 

At  this  time  Mr.  Bliss'  reputation  as  a  composer  was 
being  recognized  everywhere,  and  his  income  from  his 
business  was  good  and  growing.  Both  he  and  his  wife 
were  looking  forward  to  the  time  when  they  could 
settle  down  at  home  and  live  in  comfort  with  a  good 


p.  p.  BLISS  181 

income  from  his  musical  writings ;  but  as  we  have  said 
before,  Mr.  Bliss  was  naturally  very  religious,  and  he 
felt  that  this  was  a  call  from  God.  He  made  a  com- 
plete surrender  of  all  former  ambitions,  and  Major 
Whittle  says,  "  Up  to  the  day  of  his  death  I  never 
heard  him  express  a  regret  that  he  made  his  surrender 
and  gave  himself  to  God  for  His  work." 

They  began  immediately  their  joint  labors  as  evan- 
gelist and  singer,  holding  meetings  in  various  towns  in 
Illinois,  Wisconsin,  Michigan,  Pennsylvania,  Kentucky, 
Tennessee,  Minnesota,  Missouri,  Alabama,  Georgia,  etc. 

In  September,  1876,  he  and  his  wife  made  a  visit  to 
Mr.  Moody  at  Northfield,  Mass.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bliss 
greatly  enjoyed  their  visit,  although  both  would  laugh- 
ingly mention  Mr.  Moody's  method  of  making  the  best 
use  of  his  visitors  that  he  could,  as  manifested  in  using 
them  in  eleven  meetings  in  a  week.  Mrs.  Bliss  was  his 
constant  companion,  and  greatly  assisted  him  in  his 
work. 

The  fame  of  the  evangelists  spread  till  their  services 
\vere  asked  for  in  England.  Mr.  Moody  urged  them 
to  go  and  they  decided  to  do  so.  Their  plan  was  to 
hold  a  meeting  in  Chicago,  and  as  soon  as  that  meeting 
was  through  go  to  England.  It  was  now  nearly 
Christmas  and  Mr.  Bliss  went  home  to  spend  Christ- 
mas with  his  family  at  Kome,  Pa.  He  was  advertised 
to  sing  in  Mr.  Moody's  Tabernacle  the  Sunday  after 
Christmas.  A  telegram  was  sent  him  to  that  effect, 
and  it  was  while  en  route  to  this  appointment  that  the 
great  disaster  occurred  in  which  he  and  Mrs.  Bliss  lost 
their  lives.  This  was  December  29,  1876.  Their  train 
broke  through  a  bridge  at  Ashtabula,  Ohio,  that 
spanned   a   chasm   sixty  feet   in   depth,   carrying  into 


182    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

eternity  almost  all  on  board.  The  train  caught  fire 
and  Avas  consumed.  The  next  morning  when  word 
reached  Chicago,  Major  Whittle  and  others  went  to 
the  scene  of  the  disaster,  and,  in  Mr.  Whittle's  words, 
"  remained  there  three  days,  until  all  the  wreck  had 
been  removed,  searching  first  for  their  bodies,  then  for 
anything  that  could  be  identified  as  having  been  con- 
nected with  them.  We  found  nothing.  .  .  .  They 
have  gone,  as  absolutely  and  completely  gone,  as  if 
translated  like  Enoch."     They  left  two  sons. 

Prof.  F.  W.  Root,  in  speaking  of  Mr.  Bliss,  says : 
"  If  ever  a  man  seemed  fashioned  by  the  Divine  hand 
for  special  and  exalted  work,  that  man  was  P.  P.  Bliss. 
He  had  a  splendid  physique,  a  handsome  face,  and  a 
dignified,  striking  presence.  .  .  .  He  had  not  had 
opportunities  for  large  intellectual  culture,  but  his  nat- 
ural mental  gifts  were  wonderful.  His  faculty  for 
seizing  upon  the  salient  features  of  whatever  came  under 
his  notice  amounted  to  an  unerring  instinct.  The  one 
kernel  of  wheat  in  a  bushel  of  chaff  was  the  first  thing 
he  saw.  Examine  the  work  which  really  enlisted  his 
whole  soul,  and  you  will  see  nothing  but  keen  discern- 
ment, rare  taste,  and  great  verbal  facility.  His  gospel 
liymns  contain  no  pointless  verses,  awkward  rhythms 
or  forced  rhymes,  but,  on  the  contrary,  they  glow  with 
all  that  gives  life  to  such  composition.  He  also  had  a 
natural  instinct  for  melody.  Mr.  Bliss'  voice  was  al- 
ways a  marvel  to  me.  He  used  occasionally  to  come 
to  my  room,  requesting  that  I  would  look  into  his 
vocalization  with  a  view  to  suggestions.  At  first  a 
few  suggestions  were  made,  but  latterly  I  could  do 
nothing  but  admire.  Beginning  with  D-flat  below 
(F-clef j,  he  would,  Avithout  apparent  effort,  produce  a 


p.  p.  BLISS  183 

series  of  clarion  tones,  in  an  ascending  series,  until 
having  reached  G  space  above  (C-clef)  with  pure  tone." 

His  publications  were  "The  Charm"  and  "Sun- 
shine," for  Sunday-schools  (he  also  contributed  largely 
to  "  The  Prize,"  for  Sunday-schools) ;  "  The  Song  Tree," 
a  collection  of  parlor  and  concert  songs ;  "  The  Joy," 
for  conventions  ;  and  "  Gospel  Songs,"  for  gospel  meet- 
ings. He  and  Mr.  Sankey  compiled  "  Gospel  Hymns 
and  Sacred  Songs,  Nos.  1  and  2,"  He  was  author  also 
of  a  great  many  sheet  songs. 

Many  of  Mr.  Bliss'  gospel  songs  have  been  sung 
around  the  world,  and  are  still  immensely  popular. 


MAJOR  D.  W.  WHITTLE. 


XXIX 

Major  D.  W.  Whittle 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  D.  W.  Whittle,  was 
born  in  Chicopee  Falls,  Mass.,  November  22, 
1840.  He  was  named  for  the  statesman 
whom  his  father  greatly  admired — Daniel  Webster. 
There  were  three  other  boys  in  the  family  and  before 
the  outbreak  of  the  war  they  had  all  joined  the  crowds 
of  young  men  who  were  leaving  New  England  for  the 
Western  states  and  had  settled  in  Chicago.  Mr. 
Whittle  went  into  the  Wells  Fargo  Bank  as  cashier. 
He  soon  became  interested  in  the  Tabernacle  Sunday- 
school,  the  largest  in  the  city,  and  in  the  course  of  time 
became  its  superintendent. 

It  would  be  hard  to  say  just  when  he  experienced 
his  first  deep  interest  in  religious  .  things ;  born  of  a 
sweet  and  lovely  Christian  mother,  he  probably  learned 
while  still  a  child  what  God's  love  and  grace  in  the 
heart  may  mean ;  but  it  was  characteristic  of  him  that 
he  made  a  definite  surrender  at  a  definite  time  of  his 
heart  and  life  to  God.  At  midnight  one  night  when 
he  was  acting  as  night  watchman  in  the  bank,  he  says  : 
"  I  went  into  the  vault  and  in  the  dead  silence  of  that 
quietest  of  places  I  gave  my  life  to  my  Heavenly 
Father  to  use  as  He  would."  This  act  was  also  char- 
acteristic of  him  in  the  way  it  was  done  ;  quietly  and 
alone  he  settled  the  question  with  God. 

It  was  through  his  work  in  the  Tabernacle  Sunday- 
185 


186    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

school  that  he  met  the  woman  who  was  to  become  his 
wife — Miss  Abbie  Hanson.  She  was  also  a  New  Eng- 
lancler  by  birth. 

In  1861  he  joined  the  72d  Illinois  Infantry,  enlist- 
ing in  Company  B  as  second  lieutenant,  but  it  was  not 
until  1862  that  the  regiment  was  ordered  South,  and 
on  the  night  before  he  left,  August  22d,  he  and  Miss 
Hanson  were  quietly  married,  only  to  part  the  next 
day  for  over  a  year. 

Mr.  Whittle  served  throughout  the  remainder  of  the 
war;  he  became  Provost  Marshal  on  Gen.  O.  O. 
Howard's  staff ;  was  with  Sherman  on  his  march  to  the 
sea  and  was  wounded  at  Yicksburg.  At  the  close  of 
the  war  he  was  breveted  "  Major  "  and  the  title  was 
never  dissociated  from  his  name. 

It  was  when  he  was  sent  home  wounded  from  Yicks- 
burg, having  been  shot  in  his  sword  arm  while  leading 
a  charge  in  place  of  his  wounded  captain,  that  he 
first  met  the  man  who  was  to  so  greatly  influence 
his  life — Mr.  D.  L.  Moody.  The  following  is  the  inci- 
dent in  Major  Whittle's  own  v^ords  :  "  A  big  meeting  of 
some  kind  was  being  held  in  the  Tabernacle,  and  with 
some  help  I  was  able  to  attend,  although  I  was  still 
weak  from  loss  of  blood  and  with  my  arm  in  a  sling. 
I  was  called  upon  to  speak  and  as  I  got  slowly  to  my 
feet,  feeling  shy  and  embarrassed  and  weak,  a  strong 
voice  called  out — '  Give  him  three  cheers,  boys,'  and 
they  were  given  with  a  will,  for  every  heart  was  burst- 
ing with  patriotism  in  those  days  and  the  sight  of  a 
wounded  soldier  in  a  blue  uniform  stirred  the  blood. 
And  how  that  kindly  thought  and  that  ringing  cheer 
stirred  my  blood  ;  how  grateful  I  was  to  them — and 
the  one  who  called  out,  '  Give  him  three  cheers '  was 


MAJOR  D.  W.  WHITTLE  187 

Dwight  L.  Moody,  and  that  is  what  his  friendship 
meant  to  me  from  that  moment  onward ;  stimulating, 
encouraging,  appreciating  in  a  twinkling  the  whole 
situation — the  young  soldier's  embarrassment,  his  need 
of  a  friendly  word  of  help  ;  and  he  was  even  then 
the  born  leader — '  Give  him  three  cheers,'  and  they 
cheered." 

After  the  Civil  AYar  Major  Whittle  went  into  the 
Elgin  Watch  Company,  and  it  was  largely  due  to  the 
influence  of  D.  L.  Moody  who  was  already  in  evangel- 
istic work  that  he  gave  up  his  business  and  became  an 
evangelist.  He  always  had  with  him  a  gospel  singer 
and  the  fii'st  one  associated  with  him  was  Mr.  P.  P. 
Bliss  whose  tragic  death  in  the  terrible  Ashtabula 
disaster  ended  a  most  happy  relationship. 

Major  Whittle  wrote  his  first  hymn  in  18Y5 — 
"  Christ  is  All."  He  gave  it  to  Mr.  Bliss  to  set  to  mu- 
sic and  after  his  death  the  words  were  found  among  his 
papers  and  later  set  to  music  by  Mr.  James  McGrana- 
han  who  succeeded  Mr.  Bliss  as  Major  Whittle's  sing- 
ing companion. 

The  greater  number  of  his  earlier  hymns  were  set  to 
music  by  Mr.  McGranahan — "  The  Crowning  Hay," 
"  Showers  of  Blessing,"  and  "  I  Know  Whom  I  Have 
Believed"  Avere  among  these.  They  made  several 
trips  to  Great  Britain  together  as  well  as  extensive 
trips  in  this  country,  and  were  very  closel}^  associated 
until  about  1890  Avhen  Mr.  McGranahan's  health  began 
to  fail  and  Mr.  Geo.  C.  Stebbins  took  his  ]ilace.  His 
exquisite  music  is  known  and  loved  by  all  those  who 
know  gospel  hymns ;  one  of  his  most  beautiful  songs 
was  composed  for  Major  Whittle's  words  "  Beyond  Our 
Sight." 


188    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Nearly  all  of  the  Major's  words  were  written  under 
the  nom  de  ^luriie  "  El  Nathan  "  ;  to  some  of  his  later 
hymns  he  signed  his  own  name  and  the  music  to  most 
of  these  was  written  by  his  daughter,  Mary  Whittle 
Moody ;  "  Moment  by  Moment,"  "  Be  Still  Sad  Heart," 
"  Blessed  Hope,"  and  "  Still  Waiting,"  are  among 
these. 

In  speaking  of  his  hymns  he  once  said,  "  I  hope  that 
I  will  never  write  a  hymn  that  does  not  contain  a  mes- 
sage— there  are  too  many  hymns  that  are  just  a  mean- 
ingless jingle  of  words ;  to  do  good  a  hymn  must  be 
founded  on  God's  word  and  carry  the  message  of  God's 
love."  He  also  felt  that  the  dignity  of  a  gospel  hymn 
deserved  the  best  he  could  give,  not  only  in  material 
but  in  construction,  and  no  rules  of  metre  or  rhythm 
were  disregarded  ;  he  admired  greatly  the  old  church 
hymns  and  considered  them  a  standard  for  all  hymn 
writers.  He  composed  about  two  hundred  hymns. 
Mr.  Moody  said,  "  I  think  Major  Whittle  has  written 
some  of  the  best  hymns  of  this  century." 

The  last  words  he  wrote  have  never  been  set  to 
music ;  they  were  composed  and  dictated  a  few  weeks 
before  his  death,  during  a  night  made  sleepless 
by  intense  pain.  The  musical  chiming  of  a  little 
clock  by  his  bedside  made  him  think  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment High  Priest  of  whose  approach  one  was  warned 
by  the  bells  on  his  feet.  Below  we  give  this  beautiful 
poem. 

''  Swift,  with  melodious  feet, 
The  miduight  hours  pass  by  ; 
As  with  each  passing  bell  so  sweet, 
I  think,  '  My  Lord  draws  nigh.' 


MAJOR  D.  W.  WHITTLE  189 

^'  I  see  Heaven's  open  door, 
I  hear  God's  gracious  voice  ; 
I  see  the  blood-washed  'round  the  throne, 
And  with  them  I  rejoice. 

'*  It  may  be  that  these  sounds 
Are  the  golden  bells  so  sweet 
Which  tell  me  of  the  near  approach 
Of  the  Heavenly  High  Priest's  feet. 

'^  Not  every  night  is  thus  ; 
Some  nights  with  pain  are  drear. 
Then  I  join  my  moan  with  creation's  groan 
And  the  chimes  I  do  not  hear. 

"  But  the  Lord  remains  the  same  ; 
Faithful  He  must  abide  ; 
And  on  His  word  my  soul  I'll  rest, 
For  He  is  by  my  side. 

"  Some  midnight,  sleepless  saints, 
Made  quick  by  pain  to  hear, 
Shall  join  the  glad  and  welcome  cry, 
'  The  Bridegroom  draweth  near.' 

''  Then  I  shall  see  His  face, 
His  beauteous  image  bear  ; 
I'll  know  His  love  and  wondrous  grace, 
And  in  His  glory  share. 

"  So  sing  my  soul  in  praise, 
As  bells  chime  o'er  and  o'er. 
The  coming  of  the  Lord  draws  near. 
When  time  shall  be  no  more." 

Major  D.  W.  W^hittle  died  March  4,  1901,  at  North- 
field,  Mass. 

"  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord." 


JAMES  McGRANAHAN. 


XXX 
James   McGranahan 

JAMES  McGKANAHAN  was  born  July  4,  1840, 
near  Adams ville,  Pa.,  his  ancestry  being  mainly 
of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  His  father,  George 
McGranahan,  was  a  farmer,  hence  James  spent  his  boy- 
hood on  the  farm.  His  father  sent  him  to  singing 
school,  and  he  soon  became  assistant  by  playing  the 
bass  viol.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  organized  his  first 
singing  class,  and  soon  became  one  of  the  most  popular 
teachers  in  his  section  of  the  state.  He  longed  for  the 
opportunity  of  further  musical  study,  but  how  to  get  it 
was  no  ordinary  proposition,  for  his  father's  notions  of 
the  value  of  a  musical  education  were  far  from  com- 
forting to  his  rising  ambition.  With  characteristic 
pluck,  he  finally  gained  his  point  and  won  his  father's  re- 
luctant consent  by  not  only  earning  all  his  expenses, 
but  also  emploj^ing  a  man  in  his  place  on  the  farm, 
while  he  pursued  his  musical  studies.  It  is  easily  sur- 
mised that  he  improved  well  his  opportunities.  That 
his  father  later  revised  his  notions  about  the  value  of  a 
musical  education  was  very  evident  when  no  one  re- 
joiced more  than  he  that  his  son  was  being  so  marvel- 
lously used  of  God  in  winning  souls  through  the  power 
of  persuasive  song. 

He  entered  the  IS^orraal  Music  School  founded  at 
Geneseo,  N.  Y.,  by  Wm.  B.  Bradbury,  where  he  pur- 
sued his  studies  under  T.  E.  Perkins,  Carlo  Bassini,  and 

191 


192    GOSPEL  SOKG  AND  HYMN  AVRITERS 

other  eminent  teachers.  Mr.  McGranahan  attended 
the  sessions  of  1861  and  1862.  Here,  too,  he  learned 
other  lessons  than  those  set  down  in  the  books,  for  here 
he  first  met  Miss  Addie  Yickery,  who  afterwards  be- 
came his  wife,  who  being  a  ready  accompanist,  became 
a  most  efficient  helper  in  his  later  institute,  convention 
and  evangelistic  work. 

In  1862  he  became  associated  with  the  late  J.  G. 
Towner,  and  for  two  years  they  held  conventions  and 
made  concert  tours  in  the  states  of  Pennsylvania  and 
New  York,  giving  great  satisfaction  in  the  work.  He 
now  continued  his  musical  studies  under  Bassini,  Webb, 
O'Neil,  and  others,  studying  the  art  of  teaching  with 
that  prince  of  teachers,  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Eoot,  the  art  of 
conducting  with  Carl  Zerrahn,  harmony  under  J.  C.  D. 
Parker,  F.  W.  Root,  and,  later,  Geo.  A.  Macfarren,  of 
London. 

In  1875  he  accepted  the  position  as  one  of  the  man- 
agers of  Dr.  Root's  Normal  Musical  Institute,  in  which 
capacity  he  served  as  director  and  teacher  for  three 
years.  Dr.  Root  continuing  as  principal. 

During  this  time  he  was  winning  an  enviable  reputa- 
tion in  his  convention  work,  and  by  his  glee,  chorus 
and  class  music,  and  Sabbath-school  songs  published 
from  time  to  time.  His  equipment  at  this  time  for  a 
successful  career  as  a  music  teacher  and  composer  was 
complete.  He  had  become  a  cultured  musician,  with  a 
wide  and  growing  reputation,  his  solo  work  attracting 
much  attention. 

From  his  earliest  years  his  rare  tenor  voice  had  been 
the  wonder  and  delight  of  all  who  heard  it,  and  now 
from  some  of  his  most  eminent  teachers  came  the  pro- 
posal  that  he  should  enter   upon  a  course  of  special 


JAMES  McGRANAHAN  193 

training  for  the  operatic  stage,  in  which  career  it  was 
felt  he  would  certainly  achieve  fame  and  fortune.  It 
was  a  dazzling  prospect ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  his  in- 
timate friend,  P.  P.  Bliss,  who  had  given  his  wondrous 
voice  to  the  service  of  song  for  Christ,  was  urging  him 
to  do  the  same.  Comparing  his  long  course  of  study 
and  training  to  a  man  whetting  his  scythe,  he  insisted 
that  his  friend  should  "  stop  whetting  his  scythe,  and 
strike  into  the  grain  to  reap  for  the  Master."  Mr. 
McGranahan,  however,  felt  distrustful  both  of  his 
adaptation  to  such  work  and  of  his  call  to  enter  upon 
it. 

Only  a  week  previous  to  the  Ashtabula  disaster,  Mr. 
Bliss  wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  McGranahan  on  this  subject. 
Before  sending  it  he  read  it  to  Major  Whittle  with 
whom  he  had  been  discussing  the  matter  as  to  what 
evangelist  they  should  select  to  associate  with  Mr. 
McGranahan  should  he  consent  to  take  up  the  work. 
On  the  morning  after  the  disaster  Major  Whittle  and 
Mr.  McGranahan  met  for  the  first  time  at  Ashtubula, 
both  on  the  same  errand  of  mercy — that  of  recovering, 
if  possible,  the  bodies  of  their  dear  friends,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Bliss.  Upon  meeting  Mr.  McGranahan,  Major 
Whittle's  first  thought  was  :  "  Here  stands  the  man 
that  Mr.  Bliss  has  chosen  as  his  successor."  They  went 
back  to  Chicago  together,  talked  over  the  matter  and 
prayed  over  it.  Mr.  McGranahan  finally  decided  to 
give  up  all  his  future  life  to  the  service  of  God  in  song. 

If  the  operatic  world  lost  a  star,  the  Christian  world 
gained  one  of  its  sweetest  gospel  singers,  and  the  hand 
of  God  was  manifest  in  it  all. 

With  a  consecration  that  was  most  thorough,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  MacGranahan  entered  their  new  field,  and  to  their 


194    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

great  joy  found  it  most  congenial.  For  eleven  years  he 
and  Major  D.  W.  Whittle  were  associated  as  true  yoke 
fellows  in  evangelistic  work  in  various  parts  of  the 
United  States,  Great  Britain,  and  Ireland.  Tv/o  visits 
were  made  to  Great  Britain,  the  first  in  1880,  when 
they  had  great  success  in  meetings  in  which  the  leading 
ministers  of  the  kingdom  cooperated,  in  London, 
Perth,  Glasgow,  Edinburgh,  Aberdeen,  Dundee,  Belfast, 
and  other  places.  The  second  visit  was  made  in  1883, 
^vhen  they  were  associated  with  Messrs.  Moody  and 
Sankey. 

Mr.  McGranahan's  music  has  a  quality  that  is  all  its 
own.  It  is  characterized  by  strength  and  vigor.  Much 
that  he  has  written  will  live  in  the  permanent  hymnol- 
ogy  of  the  church.  Such  songs  as  "  My  Redeemer," 
''  I  Shall  be  Satisfied,"  "  The  Crowning  Day,"  "  Show- 
ers of  Blessing,"  "  O,  How  Love  I  Thy  Law,"  and  many 
others  will  voice  the  praise  of  future  generations  in 
their  worship  of  God.  Mr.  Sankey  once  said,  "  I  be- 
lieve the  most  beautiful  gospel  song  Mr.  McGranahan 
ever  wrote  is  *  Sometime  We'll  Understand.' " 

Mr.  McGranahan  was  pioneer  in  the  use  of  the 
male  choir  in  gospel  song.  When  holding  meetings  at 
Worcester,  Mass.,  a  draught  which  had  not  been  noticed 
laid  aside  for  the  time  being  all  the  female  voices,  and 
he  found  himself  with  a  chorus  of  male  v^oices  only. 
Always  resourceful,  he  quickly  adapted  the  music  to 
male  voices  and  the  meetings  went  on  with  great 
power.  What  was  necessity  at  first  became  a  most 
popular  and  effective  agency  in  the  gospel  work. 
Soon  w^as  published  "  Gospel  Male  Choir,  Nos.  1  and 
2,"  and  the  male  choir  and  quartet  are  recognized 
forces  in  the  Church  to-day. 


JAMES  McGRANAHAN  195 

The  following  is  a  list  of  his  principal  publications  : 
"  The  Choice,"  and  "  Harvest  of  Song,"  in  connection 
with  G.  C.  Case  ;  "  Gospel  Choir,"  with  Sankey  ;  "  Gos- 
pel Hymns,  Nos.  3,  4,  5,  and  6,"  with  Sankey  and 
Stebbins ;  "  Songs  of  the  Gospel,"  and  "  Male  Chorus 
Book  "  were  issued  in  England. 

It  may  be  of  interest  to  the  reader  to  know  that 
"  El  Nathan,"  to  whom  so  many  of  the  words  are 
credited,  is  the  nom  de  ])lume  of  Major  Whittle. 

In  1887  a  break  in  Mr.  McGranahan's  health  com- 
pelled him  to  give  up  active  work  in  the  evangelistic 
field.  It  was  then  that  he  built  his  beautiful  home 
among  his  old  friends  at  Kinsman,  Ghio,  and  settled 
down  to  devote  himself,  in  his  semi-retirement, 
to  the  composition  of  music  which  would  still  make 
him  a  sharer  in  the  evangelistic  work  of  the  period. 
Though  his  health  demanded  limited  hours  at  his  desk, 
yet  he  was  a  prodigious  toiler  while  he  could  work, 
and  a  large  number  of  his  best  hymns  were  written  in 
these  days. 

Personally  Mr.  Granahan  was  a  most  lovable  man, 
gentle,  modest,  unassuming,  in  short,  a  refined  and  cul- 
tured Christian  gentleman.  He  was  a  prince  of  enter- 
tainers. He  loved  good  fellowship,  and  without  effort, 
apparently,  on  his  part,  his  guests  would  be  treated  to 
the  most  delightful  social  feast. 

Mr.  James  McGranahan  died  July  9,  1907.  He  went 
home  to  meet  the  Saviour  whom  he  loved  so  well,  and 
served  so  faithfully. 


IRA  D.  SANKEY. 


XXXI 

Ira  D.  Sankey 


IEA  DAVID  SAKKEY  was  born  in  the  village 
of  Edinburg,  Pa.,  August  28,  1840.  He  was  of 
Scotch-Irish  ancestry.  After  some  years  his 
father,  the  Hon.  David  Sankey,  and  his  mother,  re- 
moved to  a  farm  where  young  Ira  grew  up  assisting 
in  the  farm  work.  He  received  the  usual  school  priv- 
ileges of  those  days. 

In  1857  the  family  removed  to  Newcastle,  Pa.  This 
afforded  him  the  opportunity  of  attending  high  school. 
Soon  after  arriving  in  Newcastle  he  joined  the  M.  E. 
Church.  Here  he  began  his  first  choir  work.  His 
voice  soon  began  to  attract  attention,  and  crowds  of 
people  came  into  the  Sunday-school  to  hear  the  singing. 

In  1860  he  responded  to  the  call  of  President  Lincoln 
for  volunteers,  and  enlisted  in  the  Twelfth  Pennsyl- 
vania Regiment.  While  in  the  army  he  frequently  led 
the  singing  in  the  religious  services.  When  his  term 
of  service  as  a  soldier  expired,  he  returned  home  to 
assist  his  father  as  a  collector  of  internal  revenue. 

In  1863  he  married  Miss  Fanny  Y.  Edwards,  who 
was  truly  a  blessing  and  helpmate  to  him  throughout 
his  entire  life-work. 

Mr.  Sankey  was  in  possession  of  a  fine  voice,  which 
had  been  enriched  by  cultivation,  and  his  services  as  a 
gospel  singer  were  in  great  demand  in  both  Pennsyl- 
vania and  Ohio. 

197 


198    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

In  1870  he  was  a  delegate  to  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Con- 
vention at  Indianapolis,  Ind.  Here  he  first  met  Mr. 
Moody.  The  singing  had  been  rather  poor,  and  Mr. 
Sankey  was  asked  to  lead.  He  began  by  singino^  the 
familiar  hymn,  "There  is  a  fountain  filled  with 
blood."  The  congregation  joined  heartily  in  the  song, 
which  put  new  life  into  the  meeting.  At  the  close  of 
the  service,  the  singer  was  introduced  to  Mr.  Moody. 
Mr.  Sankey  describes  their  meeting  thus ;  "  As  I  drew 
near  Mr.  Moody  he  stej)ped  forward,  and,  taking  me 
by  the  hand,  looked  at  me  in  that  keen,  piercing  fash- 
ion of  his,  as  if  reading  my  very  soul.  Then  he  said 
abruptly,  '  Where  are  you  from  ? '  '  Pennsylvania,'  I 
replied.  'Are  you  married?'  'lam.'  'How  many 
children  have  you?'  'Two.'  'What  is  your  busi- 
ness ? '  '  I  am  a  government  officer.'  '  Well,  you'll 
have  to  give  it  up ! '  I  was  too  much  astonished  to 
make  any  reply,  and  he  went  on,  as  if  the  matter  had 
already  been  decided :  '  I  have  been  looking  for  you 
for  the  last  eight  years.  You'll  have  to  come  to 
Chicago  and  help  me  in  my  work.' " 

In  1871,  after  a  delay  of  several  months,  and  much 
urging  on  Mr.  Moody's  part,  he  consented  to  spend  a 
week  with  him  in  Chicago ;  and  before  the  week  was 
over  he  resigned  his  government  position  and  joined 
forces  with  him  for  their  life-work.  Thus  began  the 
great  work  of  Dwight  L.  Moody  and  Ira  D.  Sankey 
that  made  the  names  of  Moody  and  Sankey  household 
words  the  Avorld  over. 

Mr.  Moody's  keen  intellect  foresaAV  the  great  future 
for  the  young  singer.  He  did  not  sing  himself ;  but 
he  said :  '^  I  feel  sure  the  great  majority  of  people  do 
like  singing.     It  helps  to  build  up  an  audience — even 


IRA  D.  SANKEY  199 

if  you  do  preach  a  dry  sermon.  If  you  have  singing 
that  reaches  the  heart,  it  will  fill  the  church  every 
time.  There  is  more  said  in  the  Bible  about  praise 
than  prayer,  and  music  and  song  have  not  only  accom- 
panied all  Scripture  revivals,  but  are  essential  in  deep- 
ening spiritual  life.  Singing  does  at  least  as  much  as 
preaching  to  impress  the  word  of  God  upon  people's 
minds.  Ever  since  God  first  called  me,  the  importance 
of  praise  expressed  in  song  has  grown  upon  me." 

In  October,  1871,  the  great  fire  occurred  in  Chicago, 
which  compelled  them  to  suspend  their  work  for  a 
short  time.  In  1872  Mr.  Sankey  moved  his  family  to 
Chicago.  The  evangelists  then  accepted  an  invitation 
to  hold  services  at  Springfield,  111.  Their  efforts  were 
crowned  with  success. 

In  1873  they  sailed  for  England,  where  they  held 
many  successful  meetings.  Mr.  Sankey's  solo  singing 
was  very  effective.  "  Jesus  of  Nazareth  passeth  by  " 
was  the  most  popular  at  this  time. 

The  expression,  "  singing  the  gospel,"  was  first  used 
by  the  Eev.  A.  A.  Eees  of  Sunderland,  England,  in 
describing  Mr.  Sankey's  soul-stirring  hymns.  Gospel 
songs  were  something  new  in  that  country  at  that 
time.  In  Scotland  they  only  used  the  Psalms  of  David  ; 
others  were  called  "human  hymns,"  but  with  Mr. 
Sankey's  tact  and  skill  as  a  singer  and  evangelist,  he 
soon  won  the  hearts  of  even  the  bonny  Scotland  people 
to  sing  "  human  hymns,"  and  in  such  a  prayerful  spirit 
that  scores  w^ere  brought  into  the  kingdom. 

Mr.  Sankey  composed  his  first  gospel  song,  entitled 
"  Yet  There  is  Eoom,"  while  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland. 
Dr.  Horatius  Bonar,  who  attended  the  meetings,  wrote 
the  words. 


200    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

While  holding  meetings  in  London,  many  of  the 
prominent  people  attended,  among  whom  might  be 
mentioned  the  Hon.  AYm.  E.  Gladstone,  Lord  Kinnaird, 
Queen  Victoria,  the  Princess  of  Wales,  and  others. 
They  enjoyed  Mr.  Sankey's  solos,  especially  ''  The 
Ninety  and  Nine."  The  evangelists  remained  in  Great 
Britain  for  two  years,  and  held  meetings  in  many  of 
the  leading  cities  of  England,  Scotland  and  Ireland. 
They  returned  to  America  in  1875. 

Their  first  meeting  after  their  return  was  held  at 
Northfield,  Mass.  Then  followed  meetings  in  Brooklyn, 
Philadelphia,  New  York,  Chicago,  Boston,  St.  Louis, 
and  hundreds  of  other  cities  were  visited,  not  only 
throughout  the  United  States,  but  in  Canada  and 
Mexico,  and  great  good  was  accomplished  wherever 
they  labored.  During  the  years  which  followed  the 
evangelists  made  several  trips  to  Great  Britain.  The 
campaign  of  1881-1884  was  a  memorable  one. 

Mr.  Sankey  had  delightful  experiences  on  his  visit  to 
the  Holy  Land  in  1898.  He  travelled  over  the  road 
that  Jesus  travelled  on  His  way  to  Calvary  to  die  for 
the  sins  of  the  world.  He  sang  on  the  Tower  of  David 
while  at  Jerusalem.  He  visited  many  of  the  ancient 
cities,  and  other  places  of  interest,  and  wherever  he 
w^ent,  his  fine  baritone  voice  was  heard  singing  the 
songs  of  salvation. 

Mr.  Sankey  was  not  only  a  great  singer  and  hi§ 
own  best  accompanist,  but  he  proved  a  prolific  com- 
poser, his  original  work  being  of  a  character  that 
instantly  commended  itself  to  religious  audiences.  Mr. 
Sankey  was  one  of  the  authors  of  the  famous  "  Gospel 
Hymns,"  and  of  various  other  hymnals. 

Among  his  most  popular  songs  are  :  "  The  Ninet}^ 


IRA  D.  SANKEY  201 

and  Nine,"  "  The  Cross  of  Jesus,"  "  Jesus  of  Nazareth," 
"  Onward  and  Upward,"  "  There'll  Be  No  Dark  Valley," 
'^Call  Them  Now,"  "A  Little  While,"  "Room  For 
Thee,"  "  A  Shelter  in  the  Time  of  Storm,"  "  Tell  It 
Out,"  "  When  the  Mists  Have  Rolled  Away,"  "  While 
the  Days  Are  Going  By,"  "  Hiding  in  Thee,"  etc. 

The  history  of  the  famous  "  Ninety  and  Nine  "  is 
most  extraordinary.  While  in  Scotland  Mr.  Sankey 
found  the  poem  in  a  newspaper,  which  he  was  reading 
on  a  train.  He  clipped  the  poem  from  the  paper  and 
put  it  in  his  pocket.  That  very  week  Mr.  Moody 
preached  upon  ''  The  Prodigal  Son."  At  the  conclusion 
of  his  discourse  he  asked  Mr.  Sankey  to  sing  some- 
thing appropriate  with  which  to  close  the  service.  "  I 
had  nothing  sLutable  in  mind,"  writes  Mr.  Sankey, 
"  but  at  that  moment  a  voice  seemed  to  say  to  me, 
'  Sing  the  hymn  you  found  on  the  train  ! '  I  thought 
it  impossible,  but  I  placed  the  little  slip  on  the  organ 
in  front  of  me,  lifted  my  heart  in  prayer,  and  began  to 
sing.  Note  by  note  the  tune  was  given,  and  it  has  not 
been  changed  from  that  day  to  this." 

Mr.  Sankey  was  a  noble  man.  Among  his  gifts,  he 
presented  a  handsome  new  building  to  the  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
at  Newcastle,  the  town  in  which  he  spent  his  boyhood. 

Mr.  Sankey  spent  the  last  few  years  of  his  life  in 
blindness.  He  died  at  his  residence  at  Brooklyn,  N.  Y., 
August  13,  1908. 

"  Out  of  the  shadow-laud,  into  the  sunshine, 
Cloudless,  eternal,  that  fades  not  away." 


GEO.  C.  STEBBINS 


XXXII 

George  Coles  Stebbins 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  February 
26,  1846,  in  Orleans  County,  K  Y.,  where 
he  spent  the  first  twenty-three  years  of  his 
life  on  a  farm.  In  1869  he  removed  to  Chicago, 
which  marked  the  beginning  of  his  musical  career.  He 
became  the  musical  director  of  the  First  Baptist  Church 
in  1870,  which  position  he  held  till  the  autumn  of  1874, 
when  he  resigned  to  take  up  his  residence  in  Boston. 
During  his  residence  in  the  former  city  he  became 
acquainted  with  D wight  L.  Moody  and  with  Ira  D. 
Sankey,  the  latter  coming  to  Chicago  in  1870.  Also 
with  P.  P.  Bliss  and  with  Major  D.  W.  Whittle,  both 
of  whom  early  joined  the  great  evangelistic  movement 
inaugurated  by  Mr.  Moody. 

Shortly  after  his  removal  to  Boston,  Mr.  Stebbins 
became  the  musical  director  in  the  church  of  which  the 
late  Dr.  A.  J.  Gordon  was  pastor,  remaining  there  till 
January,  1876,  when  he  became  the  musical  director  of 
Tremont  Temple,  the  pastor  of  which  at  that  time  was 
the  late  Dr.  Geo.  C.  Lorimer. 

In  the  summer  of  that  year  he  had  occasion  to  spend 
a  few  days  with  Mr.  Moody  at  his  home  in  ISTorthfield, 
Mass.,  and  during  his  visit  there  Mr.  Moody  induced 
him  to  enter  evangelistic  work  under  his  direction, 
which  he  did  that  autumn.  Mr.  Stebbins'  first  work  in 
this  connection  was  to  organize  the  choir  for  the  meet- 

203 


204    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

ings  that  Moody  and  Sankey  were  to  hold  in  the  great 
building  erected  for  them  in  Chicago,  and  which  were 
to  continue  through  October,  November  and  De- 
cember. During  the  remainder  of  the  season  he 
assisted  other  evangelists  ;  and  in  the  summer  follow- 
ing became  one  of  the  editors  of  "  Gospel  Hymns,"  and 
subsequently  of  the  series  of  hymn  books  used  by  Mr. 
Moody  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Also  after- 
wards the  sole  editor  of  "  Northfield  Hymnal." 

Mr.  Stebbins  married  Miss  Elma  Miller  before  enter- 
ing on  his  musical  career,  and  when  he  began  his 
evangelistic  work  she  became  actively  engaged  with 
him,  assisting  him  most  efficiently  in  his  singing,  besides 
conducting  meetings  and  giving  Bible  readings  for 
ladies. 

During  the  nearly  twenty-five  years  of  his  association 
with  Mr.  Moody,  he  assisted  him  and  Mr.  Sankey  in 
their  work  both  in  this  country  and  abroad,  besides 
working  with  other  evangelists,  among  whom  were  Dr. 
Geo.  F.  Pentecost  and  Major  Whittle. 

In  the  autumn  of  1890  he,  with  his  wife  and  son, 
went  with  the  former  to  India  for  a  season  of  w^ork 
among  the  English  speaking  inhabitants  of  that  country  ; 
and  during  their  stay  there  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stebbins  and 
their  son  gave  services  of  song  in  several  of  the  principal 
cities  of  the  country.  On  their  return  home  they  gave 
services  of  song  also  in  Egypt  and  Palestine,  and  in 
Naples,  Rome,  Florence,  Paris,  and  London. 

From  the  beginning  of  Mr.  INFoody's  work  in  North- 
field,  over  thirty  years  ago,  Mr.  Stebbins  has  been  one 
of  the  leaders  of  the  singing  at  the  summer  conferences 
there,  and  is  the  only  one  now  living  having  official  con- 
nection with  the  work  that  has  been  present  at  every 


GEORGE  COLES  STEBBINS  205 

general  conference.  He  is  also  the  only  surviving 
member  of  the  original  group  of  men  Mr.  Moody  had 
associated  with  him  in  his  evangelistic  work  ;  who  were, 
beside  himself,  Mr.  Sankey,  Major  Whittle,  P.  P.  Bliss, 
and  James  McGranahan. 

Regarding  Mr.  Stebbins'  work,  aside  from  his 
occupying  important  positions  in  churches,  and  his 
leadership  in  the  great  movement  with  which  he  was 
connected  for  so  many  years,  he  was  frequently  engaged 
to  lead  the  singing  at  international  and  state  conven- 
tions of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  Sunday-school,  Christian 
Endeavor,  and  other  religious  gatherings ;  among 
which  may  be  mentioned  the  two  greatest  of  the  Chris- 
tion  Endeavor  conventions,  one  held  in  Madison  Square 
Garden,  New  York  City,  at  which  there  were  thirty 
thousand  delegates ;  and  one  held  in  Boston  when  there 
were  fifty  thousand  present.  Also  the  great  Ecumenical 
Missionary  conference  held  in  Carnegie  Hall,  New 
York,  and  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  founding  of 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  in  this  country, 
held  in  Boston. 

During  these  years  his  voice  was  not  only  heard  in 
leading  others,  but  it  was  in  constant  demand  in  solo 
singing,  and  on  many  occasions  in  singing  with  Mr. 
Sankey  and  others. 

Mr.  Stebbins  was  well  equipped  in  this  department 
of  his  work,  as  well  as  in  the  others,  as  he  studied  the 
voice  with  some  of  the  most  celebrated  teachers  in  this 
country  ;  but  much  as  his  voice  was  heard  in  diiferent 
parts  of  the  world,  he  will  be  remembered  best  l)y  the 
music  with  which  his  name  is  associated  ;  for  that,  if 
God  continues  to  use  it  in  the  future  as  in  the  past,  will 
long  survive  him  and  the  memory  of  his  public  ministi-y. 


206    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Among  his  hymns  that  are  most  widely  known,  and 
which,  it  would  seem,  are  most  likely  to  endure,  may 
be  mentioned :  "  Saviour,  Breathe  an  Evening  Blessing," 
"  There  is  a  Green  Hill  Far  Away,"  "  Saved  by  Grace," 
"  In  the  Secret  of  His  Presence,"  "  Take  Time  to  be 
Holy,"  "  The  Homeland,"  and  "  O,  House  of  Many 
Mansions."  Only  heaven  itself  can  reveal  in  the  fullest 
measure  the  great  amount  of  good  that  Mr.  Stebbins' 
gospel  songs  have  accomplished  in  the  world. 


J.  R.  MURRAY. 


XXXIII 
James  R.   Murray 

JAMES  EAMSEY  MUREAY  was  born  at  Ballard 
Yale,  Andover,  Mass.,  March  17,  1841,  died  in 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  March  10,  1905.  He  was  the 
son  of  Walter  and  Christine  Morrison  Murray  of  Kox- 
burgh,  Scotland,  who  came  to  America  in  1840.  The 
lad's  early  education  w^as  received  in  the  public  school, 
and  later  he  began  a  business  career  with  the  Tyer 
Kubber  Company.  The  late  Mr.  Tyer  always  ex- 
pressed a  strong  interest  in  the  ability  of  this  youth. 
Next  we  find  James  taking  music  lessons  and  his  talent 
was  so  pronounced  that  his  friends  advised  him  to 
devote  his  life  to  the  musical  profession.  The  Musical 
Institute  at  North  Eeading,  Mass.,  1856-1859,  with 
Lowell  Mason,  G.  F.  Koot,  W.  B.  Bradbury  and  G.  J. 
Webb,  as  teachers,  laid  the  solid  foundation  which  his 
powers  required,  and  he  made  most  excellent  progress. 
All  his  teachers  loved  him,  but  the  lifelong  tie  that 
bound  him  to  Dr.  Boot  was  the  strongest  friendship. 

In  1862,  Mr.  Murray  enlisted  as  a  musician  in  the  Civil 
War.  His  first  song,  "  Daisy  Deane,"  which  proved  to 
be  the  most  successful  of  his  early  songs,  was  com- 
posed in  camp  in  Yirginia  in  1863.  The  words  of  this 
were  by  his  comrade  and  cousin,  Thos.  F.  Winthrop. 
This  song  is  known  all  over  the  world,  and  the  Salva- 
tion Army  uses  an  arrangement  of  it  as  one  of  their 
war  cry  songs. 

209 


210    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

At  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Murray  returned  home, 
and  taught  the  piano  in  his  home  town  and  other  towns, 
but  soon  gave  up  teaching  to  accept  a  position  with 
Root  &  Cady,  Chicago,  111.,  as  editor  of  The  So7ig 
Messenger^  and  assistant  in  the  writing  and  publishing 
department.  He  remained  with  that  company  until  the 
great  fire  in  1871,  when  he  returned  to  Andover,  and 
resumed  his  work  of  teaching  music. 

In  1868  he  married  Miss  Isabel  Maria  Taylor,  whom 
he  had  known  from  childhood.  This  gifted  and  finely 
trained  woman  with  her  excellent  judgment  supple- 
menting his  own  invariably  in  the  issue  of  all  his  com- 
positions, and  with  a  sense  of  the  beautiful  greater 
than  his  joy  in  music,  made  for  him  a  home  that  was 
an  ideal  environment  for  his  work.  His  are  the  happy 
songs  of  love  of  home  and  kindred,  and  the  hope  and 
faith  these  inspired  have  lifted  the  hearts  of  the  home- 
less for  the  long  years  the  two  worked  as  one.  Mr. 
Murray  continued  his  musical  work  in  Andover  for  ten 
years.  He  taught  music  in  the  public  schools,  was 
leader  of  choir  and  choral  society,  and  an  active  tem- 
perance worker  of  the  right  kind. 

In  1881  he  was  called  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  by  the 
John  Church  Company  to  edit  The  Ifusical  Visitor 
and  to  take  charge  of  the  publishing  department.  His 
taste  and  skill  were  recognized  wherever  American 
music  was  known. 

Among  the  most  popular  of  his  gospel  song  books 
are  :  "  Pure  Diamonds,"  "  Royal  Gems,"  "  The  Prize," 
and  "Murray's  Sacred  Songs."  The  following  will  re- 
call some  of  his  best  loved  sacred  songs :  "  At  Last," 
"  Calm  on  the  Listening  Ear  of  Night,"  "  I  Shall  be 
Satisfied,"  "  There  Shall  No  Evil  Befall  Thee,"  ''  Thine, 


JAMES  R.  MURRAY  211 

O  Lord,  is  the  Greatness,"  "  The  Way  was  Mine," 
"  How  Beautiful  Upon  the  Mountains  "  and  "  Angels 
from  the  Realms  of  Glory."  His  life  and  songs  were 
helpful  to  many  way-worn  travellers. 

The  last  great  labor  Mr.  Murray  was  engaged  on 
for  the  John  Church  Company  at  the  time  of  his  break- 
down and  subsequent  death  was  the  seeing  through  the 
press  five  volumes  of  Wagner's  music  dramas,  with  full 
score,  original  German  text  and  a  smooth  and  excel- 
lent English  translation. 

''Put  out  the  lights; 
He  will  not  need  them  more. 
His  work  is  done  ;  his  feet  have  gained 
The  fairer,  purer  shore." 


C.  C.   CASE. 


xxxiy 
C.  C.  Case 

CHARLES  CLIKTON  CASE  was  born  near 
Linesville,  Crawford  County,  Pa.,  June  6, 
1843. 

When  he  was  about  four  years  old  the  family  re- 
moved to  Gustavus,  Ohio,  where  Mr.  Case  still  resides. 

The  father,  for  his  day,  was  quite  an  expert  in  the 
use  of  the  violin,  and  the  grandfather,  a  major  in  the 
Revolutionary  War,  was  a  successful  teacher  of  vocal 
music. 

When  the  boy  was  eight  or  nine  years  old,  a  neigh- 
bor gave  him  a  small  violin  which,  from  the  point  of 
view  of  the  old-time  fiddler,  he  mastered  long  before 
he  could  read  music. 

He  had  an  intense  longing  to  learn  to  sing,  but  his 
parents  discouraged  him,  thinking  he  had  no  talent  in 
that  direction.  He  was  not  allowed  to  attend  singing 
school  until  sixteen  years  old,  and  then  did  so  without 
the  consent  of  his  parents,  borrowing  the  money  of  a 
neighbor. 

His  first  instructor  in  vocal  music  was  Mr.  C.  A. 
Bentley,  who  was  a  successful  teacher  of  the  rudi- 
ments of  music,  as  well  as  a  convention  conductor  of 
prominence.  Bradbury's  "  Jubilee "  was  the  book 
used  in  this  school,  and,  though  Mr.  Case  could  not  read 
music  at  all  at  the  beginning  of  the  term,  after  twenty- 
four  lessons  he  had  the  satisfaction  of  being  elected  as- 

213 


214    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  AYRITERS 

sistant  chorister  of  a  choir  of  twenty  or  thirty  voices 
in  liis  own  town. 

For  three  winters  in  succession  he  attended  Mr. 
Bentley's  singing  school,  which  met  once  a  week.  He 
worked  on  his  father's  farm  during  the  summer  season. 

When  nineteen  years  of  age  he  taught  his  first  sing- 
ing school,  but  had  no  thought  at  this  time  of  follow- 
ing it  for  a  life-work.  Later  he  taught  a  number  of 
classes,  and  met  with  success  and  encouragement,  and 
then  he  made  up  his  mind  to  spend  his  life  in  the 
"vineyard  of  song." 

Mr.  Case  used  the  violin  in  teaching  for  several  years. 
During  the  first  two  years  of  his  teaching  this  was  the 
only  accompaniment. 

In  April,  1866,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Annie  Will- 
iams. From  this  time  on  the  violin  took  a  second 
place.  For  twelve  years  Mrs.  Case  attended  every 
school  and  convention  her  husband  conducted  as  ac- 
companist. For  the  first  few  years  this  meant  a  good 
many  hundred  miles  riding  every  winter  through  mud 
and  snow.  Later  the  railroads  were  used,  a  larger 
territory  covered,  and  ten  and  four  days'  conventions 
held. 

In  the  summer  of  1868  Mr.  Case  attended  his  first 
normal,  studying  under  B.  F.  Baker,  of  Boston.  For 
the  next  eleven  years  he  attended  different  normals 
during  the  summer,  teaching  the  rest  of  the  year.  At 
these  normals  he  studied  with  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Root,  Carl 
Zerrahn,  Dr.  Wm.  Mason,  Carlo  Bassini,  Dr.  H.  E.  Pal- 
mer, P.  P.  Bliss,  Dr.  L.  O.  Emerson,  Geo.  Jas.  Webb, 
and  others,  Mrs.  Case  attending  and  studying  with  her 
husband. 

Soon  after  he  began  teaching,  the  parents   of  Mr. 


C.  C.  CASE  215 

James  McGranahan  moved  to  the  adjoining  county, 
only  two  miles  away  from  his  home,  and  the  two 
young  men  became  acquainted  and  steadfast  friends,  at- 
tending the  normal  schools  together,  and  later  were  as- 
sociated as  business  managers  and  members  of  the  fac- 
ulty of  Dr.  Eoot's  Normal  Musical  Institute.  Much 
credit  for  the  great  success  of  these  normals  was  due  to 
the  efficient  work  of  Mr.  Case. 

Mr.  Case's  musical  composition  dates  from  his  at- 
tendance at  Baker's  school,  his  first  hymn  tune  being 
published  in  Mr.  Baker's  "  Jubilant  Voices." 

In  1875,  in  connection  with  Mr.  McGranahan,  "The 
Choice "  w^as  published,  and  two  years  later,  "  The 
Harvest  of  Song."  About  this  time  occurred  the  death 
of  the  lamented  Bliss,  a  warm,  personal  friend  of  both, 
and  Mr.  McGranahan  from  this  time  on  gave  more 
attention  to  gospel  songs,  taking  Bliss'  place  as  singer 
for  the  Evangelist  Whittle. 

Mr.  Case  continued  his  musical  conventions,  and  in 
1879,  in  connection  with  C.  C.  Williams,  issued  "  The 
Prince  of  Song,"  and  a  little  later  "  Church  Anthems." 
On  the  death  of  Mr.  Williams,  in  1882,  Mr.  Case  joined 
Dr.  Root  in  editing  two  Sabbath  school  books,  "  Pure 
Delight "  and  "  Wondrous  Love,"  and  the  singing 
school  books,  "  Our  Song  World,"  "  Arena  of  Song," 
and  "  Songs  of  the  Assembly."  In  the  meantime  Mr. 
Case  issued  "  The  Pyramid  of  Song "  and  "  Case's 
Chorus  Collection."  In  connection  with  Mr.  J.  R. 
Murray,  "  Uplifting  Songs."  He  also  issued  "  Choice 
Songs."  Nearly  all  of  his  books  have  been  published 
by  The  John  Church  Company,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

Professor  Case  has  conducted  the  music  at  Chautau- 
quas    and    other   assemblies   in   various   parts   of   the 


216    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

country.  He  has  conducted  large  chorus  choirs  in 
Boston,  Chicago,  Cleveland,  Akron,  and  Detroit.  For 
ten  years  he  spent  a  part  of  each  season  as  leader  and 
soloist  in  Mr.  Moody's  meetings.  He  was  with  him  in 
his  last  work  at  Kansas  City.  During  all  this  time  the 
musical  convention  has  had  a  large  share  of  his  time 
and  attention. 

Professor  Case  has  accomplished  a  great  amount  of 
good  in  his  line  of  musical  work.  May  health  and 
strength  be  his  for  many  more  years. 


J.  H.  TENNEY. 


XXXY 
J.  H.  Tenney 

ONE  of  the  most  prolific  and  popular  song- 
writers of  our  times  is  Mr.  J.  H.  Tenney.  His 
writing  has  been  conj&ned  chiefly  to  the 
demands  of  Sunday-schools,  churches,  choirs,  singing 
schools  and  choral  societies,  and  among  this  class  of 
musical  people  he  has  won  for  himself  high  rank.  In 
addition  to  the  many  books  he  has  edited,  his  name 
appears  in  almost  every  Sunday-school,  church  or 
anthem  book  that  has  been  issued  for  the  last  thirty  or 
forty  years,  and  some  of  his  gospel  songs  are  sung  by 
all  the  prominent  evangelists  in  the  field.  We  have  said 
that  he  is  a  prolific  writer.  He  began  early  and  has 
had  little  to  hinder  his  steady  application,  and  every- 
thing to  favor  the  prosecution  of  his  work.  His  father 
was  a  choir  leader  and  an  enthusiastic  music  lover,  and 
his  mother  was  the  leading  soprano  in  her  husband's 
choir,  and  it  was  no  wonder  that  the  son  was  humming- 
tunes  before  he  had  learned  to  talk !  Then,  at  the  age 
of  eight,  he  could  read  plain  music  at  sight,  having 
attended  singing  school,  and  it  was  not  much  later  when 
his  favorite  pastime  was  composing  tunes  (melodies)  to 
hymns  that  he  found  in  "  Watt's  Select  Hymns.''  He 
would  also  write  out  these  melodies  on  his  slate  or 
pieces  of  paper. 

John  Harrison  Tenney  was  born  in  Rowley,  Essex 
County,  Mass.,  November,  22,  1840.     Being  born  just 

219 


220    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

after  the  campaign  of  "  Tippecanoe  and  Tyler  too,"  he 
was  given  the  name  John  Harrison,  after  the  successful 
presidential  hero.  He  was  not  the  hearty,  healthy  lad 
that  loved  romping  and  the  sterner  sports  natural  to 
boyhood,  but  was  of  a  delicate  constitution,  and  his 
preference  ran  rather  to  mental  than  to  physical  exercise. 
At  school  he  was  a  favorite  with  his  teachers  on  account 
of  his  studiousness  and  proficiency,  and  perhaps  the 
lack  of  mischievousness  that  is  common  to  boys.  He 
may  not  have  been  so  popular  with  the  boys,  as  he  did 
not  care  so  much  for  their  rough-and-tumble  sports, 
but  he  was  a  favorite  with  his  mother,  who,  by  the  way, 
was  a  gifted  mother  in  every  sense  of  the  word.  Their 
companionship  was  sweet  and  constant,  and  she  knew 
just  how  to  sympathize  with  her  tender,  diffident  boy, 
and  encourage  him  in  his  efforts  and  ambitions.  Like 
all  successful  men,  he  now  more  than  ever  appreciates 
his  indebtedness  to  his  mother. 

His  school  education  consisted  of  that  received  at 
the  district  schoolhouse  during  the  winter  months. 
In  the  summer  he  worked  on  the  farm  and  in  the  shoe- 
shop,  for  his  father  was  a  shoemaker  as  well  as  a 
farmer.  Perhaps  this  is  one  reason  why  Mr.  Tenney 
puts  so  much  soul  in  his  compositions.  His  evenings  at 
home  were  usually  spent  with  singing  books,  practic- 
ing in  reading  notes  or  singing  favorite  songs,  and  in 
this  way  he  learned  by  heart  every  tune  and  anthem  in 
his  father's  books.  He  also  got  hold  of  "  Burrowes' 
Primer,"  and  from  it  learned  something  about  harmony 
and  began  to  compose  melodies  and  harmonize  them. 

Along  in  these  times  he  became  a  subscriber  to  The 
Musical  Pioneer^  a  paper  that  interested  him  greatly. 
It  was  food  for  his  hungry  soul.     He  fairly  devoured 


J.  H.  TENNEY  221 

its  contents  from  month  to  month.  By  carefully 
observing  the  music  in  it,  he  soon  felt  encouraged  to  try 
his  fortune  in  contributing  to  it.  He  prepared  a  few 
pieces,  and  with  a  palpitating  heart  and  trembling  hand 
dropped  the  sealed  and  addressed  package  into  the  post- 
office  to  await  developments.  On  receiving  the  next 
number  of  the  paper  his  apprehensions  were  resolved 
favorably — his  efforts  had  been  well  received.  The 
editor  said,  among  complimentary  things  in  the  cor- 
respondence column,  "  it  will  be  worth  while  for  you  to 
study  music."  He  afterwards  sent  many  contributions 
to  the  Pioneer^  most  of  which  were  published.  In  fact, 
in  one  number  of  the  paper  nearly  all  the  music  was 
from  his  pen,  although  some  of  it  bore  a  nom  de  plume. 
He  afterwards  contributed  freely  to  the  J^ew  York 
Musical  Gazette. 

Mr.  Tenney  is  a  very  modest  man.  In  fact,  it  is 
hard  to  get  him  to  say  enough  from  which  to  weave  a 
sketch.  To  give  the  reader  an  idea  of  how  he  looks  at 
it,  we  quote  from  an  interview  in  which  we  asked  for 
some  of  the  facts  concerning  his  life :  "  I  have  never 
done  anything  worth  the  telling,  and  all  these  laudatory 
notices  are  offensive  to  me.  But  if  you  are  to  say  any- 
thing about  me,  I  desire  that  it  should  be  true  and 
fair."  But  the  thousands  who  have  received  so  much 
pleasure  and  benefit  from  his  musical  compositions  will 
not  agree  with  him  that  he  has  "never  done  anvthinfr 
worth  telling."  Those  who  have  sung  or  listened  to 
his  gospel  song,  "  Where  Will  You  Spend  Eternity  ?  " 
will  vote  that  he  has  served  his  generation  pretty  well, 
to  say  nothing  of  the  popular  songs  entitled,  "Jesus  is 
Passing  this  Way,"  "  Ever  Will  I  Pray,"  "  Hallowed 
Hour  of  Prayer,"  "  My  Anchor  is  Holding,"  "  Beyond 


222    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

the  Swelling  Flood,"  *'  Onward  Christian  Soldiers," 
and  numerous  others  which  have  been  sung  all  over 
the  land  and  are  being  sung  now  with  such  delight. 
Our  author  estimates  the  value  of  his  labors  too 
modestly. 

Mr.  Tenney  has  edited  or  has  been  associate  editor 
of  over  thirty  books,  besides  contributing  to  hundreds, 
and  in  many  instances  contributing  largely.  His  books 
have  been  issued  by  so  many  different  publishing  houses 
that  it  is  difficult  to  get  a  full  list.  We  will  mention  a 
number  of  his  more  important  works.  "  The  Anthem 
Offering,"  ''  The  Singing  School  Banner,"  "  The  Amer- 
ican Anthem  Book,"  "  The  Crown  of  Praise,"  "  Tem- 
perance Jewels,"  "  Golden  Sunbeams,"  "  Songs  of 
Joy,"  ''  Songs  of  Faith,"  "  Spiritual  Songs,  Nos.  1  and 
2,"  "Gems  of  Gospel  Song,"  "The  Beacon  Light," 
"  Shining  Light,"  "  Sharon's  Dewy  Rose,"  "  Sweet 
Fields  of  Eden,"  "  Sparkling  and  Bright,"  "  American 
Male  Choir,"  etc.,  etc.  This  latter  is  his  favorite 
book,  although  he  takes  pride  in  his  work  in  "The 
American  Anthem  Book." 

Mr.  Tenney  is  a  Christian — a  deacon  in  the  Congre- 
gational Church  at  Linebrook,  Mass.  For  many  years 
he  gave  his  services  as  organist  and  choir  leader. 

In  1888  he  married  Miss  Alice  Potter,  and  two 
daughters  and  a  son  bless  their  home. 

He  delights  in  farm  life,  and  to  spend  the  evenings 
in  giving  vent  to  his  musical  nature  in  musical  composi- 
tions. We  are  sure  our  many  readers  will  jom  us  in 
assuring  our  friend  that  we  feel  very  much  his  debtor 
for  the  pleasure  his  delightful  music  has  afforded  us. 


A.  S.  KIEFFER. 


XXXYI 

Aldine  S.  Kieffer 

ALDINE  SILLIMAN  KIEFFER  was  born 
near  Miami,  Saline  County,  Mo.,  August  1, 
1840.  His  father  and  mother,  John  and 
Mary  Kieffer,  emigrated  to  Missouri  from  Virginia  in 
1836.  While  his  father  was  a  farmer,  he  also  taught 
singing  classes.  So  Aldine's  childhood  was  spent  on  a 
farm,  and  his  first  singing  lessons  were  received  from 
his  father  in  the  old  schoolhouse  on  the  prairie. 

In  1847  Aldine's  father  died  ;  thus  ended  the  sing- 
ing class.  However,  his  mother,  having  large  faith  in 
the  possibilities  of  her  boy  to  become  a  musician,  gave 
him  lessons.  In  1848  his  mother  removed  to  Mountain 
Valley,  now  Singers  Glen,  Va.  Here  Aldine  had  the 
opportunity  of  studying  music  with  his  grandfather, 
Joseph  Funk,  a  music  teacher  and  publisher.  His 
great  love  for  music  and  poetry  made  the  printing- 
office  a  kind  of  paradise  to  him. 

He  never  had  the  advantages  of  literary  schools,  but 
the  printing-office  served  as  a  good  substitute  in  his 
case.  The  lad  worked  faithfull}^  in  the  office,  and  Sat- 
urdays would  attend  the  singing  schools  taught  by 
Mr.  Funk.  Frequently  he  would  walk  five  or  six  miles 
to  attend  these  classes.  In  1850  the  printing-office  of 
Joseph  Funk  c%  Sons  began  to  assume  larger  propor- 
tions, both  in  size  and  business.  Their  book,  "  Genuine 
Church  Music,"  having  been  revised,  was  now  called 

225 


226    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

"Harmonia  Sacra,"  and  the  notation  changed  from 
four  to  seven  syllables. 

At  the  age  of  sixteen  Mr.  Kieffer  began  teaching 
singing  schools  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Joseph 
Funk.  The  "  Harmonia  Sacra  "  was  the  book  used.  Mr. 
Kieffer  continued  to  teach  classes,  and  he  gave  every 
energy  of  his  heart  and  soul  to  the  cause  of  sacred  mu- 
sic and  poetry.     He  was  wonderfully  gifted  as  a  poet. 

In  1861,  when  the  Civil  War  broke  out,  Mr.  Kieffer 
suspended  his  singing  classes,  and  entered  the  ranks  of 
the  Tenth  Virginia  Infantry,  which  was  later  attached 
to  the  Stonewall  Division.  He  was  in  many  hot  en- 
gagements, and  in  1864  was  made  a  prisoner  of  war, 
and  sent  to  Fort  Delaware.  Here  he  managed  to  get 
hold  of  a  few  music  books,  and  spent  his  time  in  study. 

When  the  war  was  over  Mr.  Kieffer  returned  home, 
and  soon  resumed  his  singing  school  work.  In  one  of 
his  classes  he  met  a  lady  in  the  person  of  Miss  Josie 
Hammon,  daughter  of  Mr.  Jacob  Hammon,  Avhom  he 
married  November  16,  1865.  Mr.  Kieffer  then  began 
his  work  afresh  in  the  printing-office,  and  in  1867  he 
assisted  in  issuing  the  "  Christian  Harp,"  a  small  book 
for  Sunday-schools,  camp-meetings,  etc.,  of  which 
128,000  copies  were  sold. 

In  1868  he  held  his  first  normal  music  school ;  and 
in  1869  issued  "  The  Song  Crowned  King,"  and  in  the 
same  year  composed  his  popular  song  "  O,  the  Old 
Schoolhouse  that  Stands  Upon  the  Hill."  In  1870  the 
initial  number  of  the  Musical  Million  made  its  appear- 
ance, a  journal  of  music,  poetry,  chaste  literature,  and 
the  great  advocate  of  character  notes.  Aldine  S. 
Kieffer  was  its  editor.  This  afforded  Mr.  Kieffer  the 
opportunity  of    developing   his  powers   in   literature, 


ALDINE  S.  KIEFFER  227 

poetry,  music,  and  for  the  noble  cause  which  he  had 
espoused  from  boyhood,  namely :  the  use  of  char- 
acter notes  ; — of  this  he  was  a  strong  advocate,  and  was 
eminently  successful. 

Mr.  Kieffer  held  normal  music  schools  in  several  dif- 
ferent states.  He  organized  the  Virginia  Normal 
Music  School  at  Kew  Market,  Va.,  of  which  Prof.  B.  C. 
Unseld  was  principal.  Annual  sessions  were  held  for 
several  years. 

The  publishing  business  finally  merged  into  the  firm 
name,  The  Ruebush  Kieff'er  Company,  and  in  1878 
removed  from  Singers  Glen  to  Dayton,  Ya.  For  years 
Mr.  Kieffer  was  the  only  member  of  the  firm  who  did 
any  editorial  work,  either  musical  or  in  a  literary  ca- 
pacity. He  became  famous  in  his  line  of  work,  and  was 
in  touch  with  many  well-known  musicians,  among 
whom  were :  Theo.  F.  Seward,  H.  P.  Main,  J.  R. 
Murray,  W.  T.  Giffe,  and  scores  of  others.  And  in 
book  association,  J.  H.  Tenney,  B.  C.  Unseld,  W.  B. 
Blake,  J.  H.  Hall,  and  others. 

Of  the  fifteen  or  twenty  song  books  which  he 
edited  "  The  Temple  Star "  was  the  most  popular. 
Over  500,000  copies  have  been  sold. 

Some  of  his  most  popular  songs  are  :  "  The  City  of 
Light,"  "  Olden  Memories,"  "  Home  to  My  Mother  in 
Heaven,"  "  Grave  on  the  Green  Hillside,"  etc. 

His  book  of  poems,  entitled  "  Hours  of  Fancy  or  Yigil 
and  Vision,"  is  highly  worthy  of  a  place  in  any  library. 

Professor  Kieffer  ^vas  a  man  of  many  excellent  quali- 
ties, kind,  sympathetic,  and  pleasant  in  his  associations. 

Prof.  Aldine  S.  Kieffer  died  November  30,  1904,  at 
his  home  in  Dayton,  Va.  In  the  Dayton  cemetery  he 
sleeps  in  a  "  grave  on  the  green  hillside." 


J.    H.    KURZEXKNABE. 


XXXYII 

J.  H.  Kurzenknabe 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  J.  H.  Kurzenknabe, 
was  born  m  Moenchehof,  Kurhessen,  Ger- 
many, June  18,  1840.  He  was  left  an  orphan 
in  childhood,  and  spent  part  of  his  early  years  in  Cassel 
attending  the  public  and  industrial  schools.  On  Sep- 
tember 13,  1854,  when  emigration  fever  in  that  city 
was  at  its  height,  he  secured  the  necessary  papers,  and 
with  $400  in  gold  started  for  the  promised  land, 
America. 

The  long  voyage  in  a  sailing  vessel  via  Bremen  to 
New  York  lasted  seven  ^veeks,  forty-nine  days  of  storm 
and  sunshine.  Being  already  at  his  early  age,  fourteen 
years  old,  a  clever  violinist,  he  made  friends  on  board 
by  his  frank  manners  and  sweet  music  so  obligingly 
rendered.  An  incident  occurred  here  which  in  after 
time  came  back  to  bless  and  assist  him  : — Among  the 
passengers  was  an  aged  lady  whose  children  had  pre- 
ceded her  to  America,  and  then  later  sent  for  the  old 
mother.  She  suffered  from  seasickness  and  weakness 
almost  the  entire  voyage.  The  German  lad,  mindful 
of  the  loving  kindness  of  a  mother,  of  w^hom  he  was  so 
early  bereft,  ministered  to  her  wants,  and  ])aid  her  every 
attention  until  they  landed  in  New  York.  Her  chil- 
dren, who  were  there  to  meet  her,  soon  learned  of  the 
kindness  of  the  boy.  "  Save  the  boy ; — the  boy  who 
was  so  good  to  your  mother."     In  the  family  he  found 

229 


230    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

a  temporary  home  and  friends,  and  in  after  years  was 
not  forgotten. 

J.  H.  Kurzenknabe  is  a  born  musician  and  followed 
the  bent  of  his  mind;  later  he  went  to  school  in  a 
Pennsylvania  seminary,  where  he  attained  an  English 
education,  and  prosecuted  his  musical  studies  to  make 
for  himself  a  name  as  a  teacher  of  vocal  music,  and  of 
the  violin.  Still  later  he  studied  under  Wm.  B.  Brad- 
bury, one  of  America's  greatest  musical  writers,  and 
one  of  the  noblest  of  men.  Then  he  associated  himself 
with  that  prince  of  musicians,  Geo.  F.  Root,  for  a  short 
time,  and  after  that  travelled  through  the  states  of  New 
England,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Mary- 
land, Virginia,  West  Virginia,  and  back  again  to  Mary- 
land, teaching  classes,  choirs,  conventions,  cornet  bands, 
orchestras,  and  leading  the  music  of  teachers'  institutes. 
He  settled  for  a  time,  with  headquarters  at  Hagers- 
town,  Md.,  where  at  the  age  of  nineteen  to  twenty  he 
married  a  sweet-faced  girl  bride  of  fourteen  and  a  half 
years,  who  brought  sunshine  to  his  life.  He  resided 
successively  in  Baltimore,  York,  Pa.,  Philadelphia, 
Camden  and  Moorestown,  N.  J.,  New  York,  Boston, 
Dedham,  Mass. ;  then  the  Civil  War  came  on  and  he 
went  back  again  to  Hagerstown.  Then  Sunbury,  Mer- 
cersburg,  McConnellsburg,  Mechanicsburg,  and  at  last 
Harrisburg,  Pa.,  claimed  him  as  a  citizen,  and  would 
not  permit  him  to  get  away.  Here  for  the  past  forty 
years  has  been  his  home,  where  he  has  been  engaged  in 
writing  songs,  teaching  music  in  almost  every  town 
and  city  in  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  and  together 
with  his  sons  has  charge  of  a  piano  and  music  store. 

Professor  Kurzenknabe  is  highly  esteemed  in  his  home 
city  for  his  generous  disposition,  his  unbounded  en- 


J.  H.  KURZENKNABE  231 

thusiasm  and  social  qualities.  He  has  always  been  an 
untiring  worker,  active  in  measures  for  the  best  interests 
of  Harrisburg.  He  was  chairman  of  the  Publication 
Committee  of  the  Board  of  Trade  for  the  first  twelve 
years  of  its  existence,  and  is  honored  wherever  he  is 
known. 

In  1894  the  professor  was  the  president  of  the 
Pennsylvania  State  Music  Teachers'  Association,  in- 
cluding in  its  membership  all  of  the  foremost  teachers 
and  musicians  in  Philadelphia,  Pittsburgh,  and  the  lead- 
ing cities  and  towns  throughout  the  state. 

J.  H.  Kurzenknabe's  Sunday-school,  day  school  and 
church  music  books  of  which  he  has  been  the  author 
and  publisher  are  known  wherever  song  is  loved.  All 
of  them  attained  a  large  sale ;  one  of  them,  "  Sowing 
and  Reaping,"  sold  over  300,000  copies,  and  all  have 
yet  a  fair  demand. 

Orders  for  his  books,  "  The  Reward,"  ''  Song  Treas- 
ury," "  Peerless  Praise,"  "  Gates  Ajar,"  "  Songs  and 
Glees,"  "  Music  at  Sight,"  "  Wreath  of  Gems,"  "  Rudi- 
ments of  Music,"  "  Songs  and  Hymns,"  "  Sowing  and 
Reaping,"  "  Fair  as  the  Morning,"  "Gospel  Trio,"  "Kindly 
Light,"  and  "Sweet  Silvery  Echoes,"  have  come  from 
almost  every  state  and  territory  in  the  United  States 
and  Canada,  and  books  have  been  shipped  to  England, 
Germany,  Porto  Rico,  Australia,  IS^ew  Zealand,  China 
and  Japan,  and  some  of  his  songs  have  been  translated 
into  German,  Spanish,  Hungarian,  Swedish,  Chinese 
and  Japanese. 

St.  John's  Reformed  Church,  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  where 
he  worships,  he  organized  as  a  Sunday-school  in  1893, 
and  in  1899  as  a  congregation  ;  there  his  remarkable 
activity  and  faithfulness  find  their  reward  in  advancing 


232    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

years,  happy  to  enjoy  the  fruit  of  his  labors  through 
grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  which  has  sustained  him  in  all 
his  pilgrimage  with  richest  mercies. 

In  1901  Professor  Kurzenknabe,  accompanied  by  one  of 
his  daughters,  paid  a  visit  to  the  home  of  his  childhood, 
and  remained  for  three  months  in  the  Fatherland. 
Happy  days  were  these,  never  to  be  forgotten.  He 
kept  a  diary  of  his  ten  days'  sea-voyage  to  Bremen,  and 
to  Cassel,  to  Frankfurt  and  Weisbaden.  Thence  down 
the  German  Rhine,  the  charmed  river,  to  Mayence, 
Bingen,  Ruedesheim,  Saint  Goar,  Coblenz,  Alternach, 
Remagen,  Bonn,  and  on  to  Coeln  (Cologne),  eight 
days  on  the  beautiful  Rhine.  Thence  through 
Westphalia,  the  once  kingdom  of  Jerome  Bonaparte, 
back  to  Cassel  and  the  many  cities  to  Erfurt,  Meiningen, 
Eisenach,  to  the  Wartburg,  and  back  to  Cassel,  and  the 
scenes  of  his  childhood  days,  thence  to  Berlin,  Hanover, 
Bremen,  and  return  passage  to  New  York.  Notes  are 
gathered  for  a  splendid  lecture  with  which  to  delight 
his  audiences  wherever  it  is  delivered  by  the  professor. 

In  1906  he  niet  with  the  first  serious  illness  of  his 
life.  Out  gathering  offerings  for  his  beloved  St.  John's 
chapel  then  building,  he  received  a  stroke  of  paralysis, 
ascribed  by  his  attending  physician  as  due  to  over- 
enthusiasm,  since  which  time  his  weakened  health 
debarred  him  from  following  his  loved  profession  of 
teaching ;  however  to-day  his  body,  every  member,  is 
again  restored  to  its  normal  state,  enabling  him  to  meet 
lecture  engagements,  etc. 

Professor  Kurzenknabe  is  the  author  of  a  number  of 
fine  essays  on  topics  very  popular  wherever  delivered 
before  a  music-loving  audience.  "  Music  for  the 
Masses"  (a  forcible  plea  for  music  to  be  taught  in  the 


J.  H.  KURZENKNABE  233 

public  schools),  "Church  Music,"  "Musical  Culture," 
"  An  Evening  with  Song,"  "  Music  in  the  Sunday- 
School,"  "  Lost  Opportunities,"  and  the  above  described 
German  lecture,  entitled  "  An  Evening  Abroad." 

Professor  Kurzenknabe  has  several  important  works 
in  manuscript  ready  for  publication. 

Professor  Kurzenknabe  and  his  charming  wife  are 
cheered  by  their  eleven  surviving  children,  all  musicians  : 
three  sons,  prominent  musical  writers,  three  other  sons, 
overseeing  the  music  business,  with  two  daughters  assist- 
ing, and  three  other  daughters,  well  settled  in  life.  His 
declining  years  are  serene  and  happy.  The  Golden 
Wedding  of  their  honored  parents  on  November  13, 1909, 
surely  will  linger  in  their  memory. 

Two  daughters  and  two  sons  have  fallen  asleep. 
"  "What  a  gathering  that  will  be  "  when,  reunited,  all 
join  in  praising  "  Him  who  is  worthy  to  receive  power, 
and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honor,  and 
glory,  and  blessing,  forever  and  ever."— Amen. 


W.  A.  OGDEN. 


XXXYIII 

W.  A.  Ogden 

WILLIAM  AUGUSTINE  OGDEN  was  born 
in  Franklin  County,  Ohio,  October  10, 1841. 
At  the  age  of  six  years  he  moved  with  his 
parents  to  Indiana,  where  his  early  education  was 
obtained  in  the  district  schools.  He  began  the  study 
of  music  in  the  singing  schools  of  the  community  at  the 
age  of  eight,  and  at  ten  could  read  church  music  fairly 
well  at  sight.  A  little  later  he  could  write  a  melody 
by  hearing  it  sung  or  played.  When  he  was  eighteen 
years  of  age  he  began  as  chorister  in  his  home  church. 
The  young  man  was  a  close  student  in  both  his  music 
and  literary  work. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War  Mr.  Ogden  ex- 
changed the  soft  and  alluring  music  of  peace  for  that 
of  the  martial  notes  of  war.  He  enlisted  in  the  Thirtieth 
Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  served  in  a  number 
of  the  historic  battles  of  the  war.  During  the  war  he 
organized  a  male  choir,  which  became  pretty  well 
known  throughout  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland. 

After  the  war  Mr.  Ogden  returned  to  his  home  in 
Indiana,  and  resumed  his  musical  studies  under  some  of 
the  greatest  musicians  of  that  day.  Among  his  teach- 
ers were  Dr.  Lowell  Mason,  Dr.  Thomas  Hastings,  E.  E. 
Bailey  and  B.  F.  Baker,  president  of  the  old  Boston 
Music  School.  With  Professor  Baker  he  studied  voice, 
counterpoint,  fugue  and  higher  harmony.     Professor 

235 


236    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  lYRITERS 

Baker  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  teachers  of  his 
time,  and  Mr.  Ogden  made  good  use  of  the  time  he 
spent  under  him,  and  held  him  in  grateful  remem- 
brance for  the  fine  instruction  received.  He  soon  de- 
veloped a  great  talent  as  a  composer  of  music,  and  in 
1870  issued  his  first  song  book,  "  Silver  Song,"  which 
became  immensely  popular.  This  book  was  also  pub- 
lished in  England,  and  reached  the  enormous  sale  of 
500,000  copies. 

Professor  Ogden  also  won  distinction  as  a  teacher 
and  convention  conductor.  He  taught  in  many  of  the 
states  of  the  Union,  and  also  in  Canada.  At  the  close 
of  a  normal,  of  which  he  was  principal,  at  Greensburg, 
Pa.,  he  was  presented  with  a  gold  watch,  which  he 
prized  very  highly„  For  six  years  Professor  Ogden 
held  the  position  of  director  of  music  at  the  Iowa 
Normal  School. 

In  1881  he  moved  with  his  family  to  Toledo,  Ohio, 
where  he  did  the  greatest  musical  work  of  his  life.  In 
1887  he  was  appointed  superintendent  of  music  in  the 
public  schools  of  Toledo,  which  position  he  held  until 
the  time  of  his  death.  He  enjoyed  teaching  the  chil- 
dren more  than  any  other  work.  Professor  Ogden  was, 
very  popular  with  the  children,  and  his  training  of  three 
thousand  children  in  1894  was  the  distinct  triumph  of 
the  great  Saengerfest,  held  in  his  home  city. 

Professor  Ogden  was  a  prolific  composer  of  both 
words  and  music,  and  his  Avriting  was  always  char- 
acterized with  beautiful  thoughts.  He  was  an  educated 
musician  and  possessed  most  excellent  taste,  so  that  all 
his  compositions  are  models  of  beauty  and  correctness. 
As  a  writer  of  Sunday-school  and  anthem  music  he 
excelled.     He  was  particularly  happy  in  his  melodies. 


W.  A.  OGDEN  237 

and  this,  with  the  fact  that  his  harmony  was  pleasing, 
accounts  for  the  iinmediate  popularity  which  his  music 
always  attained.  He  was  a  musical  genius,  and  his 
love  and  devotion  to  his  art  won  for  him  distinction 
among  musicians. 

Among  his  many  publications  w^e  mention  the  fol- 
lowing :  "  Crown  of  Life,"  "  Way  of  Life,"  "  Joy  Bells," 
"  Notes  of  Victory  "  ;  in  connection  with  Mr.  E.  S. 
Lorenz,  "  Gathered  Jewels,  Nos.  1  and  2  "  ;  associated 
with  Mr.  W.  T.  Giffe,  "  Spirit  of  Song"  and  "  Happy 
Day,"  and  "Best  Endeavor,"  with  Mr.  Chas.  Edw. 
Prior  as  associate.  He  also  issued  "  Anthem  Choir," 
"  Royal  Anthems  "  and  "  Bright  Anthems,"  "  Silver 
Carols,"  *'Song  Leader,"  "Drill  Master,"  "Song 
Chief,"  "  Convention  Choruses " ;  the  oratorio, 
"Josiah,"  and  the  oratorio  "Birth  of  Christ."  He 
was  also  author  of  two  cantatas,  and  two  comic  operas. 

Professor  Ogden  composed  scores  of  popular  and 
exceedingly  useful  gospel  songs,  a  few  of  which  are  : 
"  Gathering  Home,"  "  Where  He  Leads  I'll  Follow," 
"  Seeking  the  Lost,"  "  AVhat  Shall  It  Profit  Thee  ?  " 
"  Look  and  Live,"  "  Bring  Them  In,"  "  Go  and  In- 
quire," "  Toiling  for  Jesus,"  and  many  others. 

Professor  Ogden  was  a  very  genial  and  companion- 
able man,  and  had  the  highest  regard  for  the  rights  of 
other  people ;  in  short,  he  was  a  Christian  and  citizen 
of  honor.  He  was  very  enthusiastic  in  his  work,  yet 
very  gentlemanly  and  considerate. 

Prof.  W.  A.  Ogden  died  October  U,  1897.  The 
funeral  was  said  to  be  one  of  the  largest  ever  seen  in 
Toledo.  He  is  gone,  but  his  music  and  musical  work 
will  live  and  go  on  doing  good.  Though  the  singer  be 
forgotten  his  songs  will  not  die. 


B.  C.  UNSELD. 


XXXIX 

B.  C.  Unseld 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Benjamin  Carl 
Unseld,  was  born  October  18,  1843,  at  Shep- 
herdstown,  W.  Ya.  After  leaving  school  at 
about  the  age  of  fourteen,  his  youthful  years,  until  he 
was  twenty-three,  were  spent  in  commercial  pursuits, 
progressing  from  clerking  in  a  country  store  to  the 
general  offices  of  a  railroad  in  charge  of  the  general 
ticket  department. 

His  first  musical  instruction  was  received  when  he 
was  about  fifteen  years  old  from  a  companion  who  had 
attended  a  singing  school.  He  was  shown  the  repre- 
sentation of  the  scale  in  the  old  "  Carmina  Sacra,"  and 
had  it  sung  for  him  ;  but  he  doesn't  remember  how  he 
learned  to  read  music.  He  had  a  sweet  boy's  voice 
and  a  correct  ear,  learning  any  song  by  rote  very 
readily.  At  the  suggestion  of  the  same  musical  com- 
panion, he  obtained  permission  from  his  pastor  to  prac- 
tice on  the  church  organ. 

Both  boys  being  employed  during  the  day,  their 
only  opportunity  for  practice  was  after  the  stores 
closed  at  nine  o'clock  at  night,  and  an  occasional  hour 
at  noontimes.  They  went  to  the  church  together  and 
took  turns,  one  at  the  keyboard  and  the  other  at  the 
bellows.  It  was  something  of  a  strain  on  the  courage 
of  a  couple  of  timid  boys  to  go  into  a  big  empty, 
gloomy  church  gallery  at  night  with  only  a  dim  lantern 

239 


240    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

— and  war  times  at  that !  In  order  to  get  more  practice, 
young  Unseld  made  a  diagram  of  the  keyboard  upon 
"  pasteboard,"  and  practiced  at  home,  picking  out  tunes 
from  the  "  Carmina  Sacra,"  so  that  when  he  went  to 
the  organ  he  was  somewhat  familiar  with  the  position 
of  the  tune  on  the  keyboard. 

Shortly  after  the  great  battle  at  Antietam,  a  part  of 
which  he  witnessed,  September  17,  1862,  he  left  home 
and  obtained  a  position  as  bookkeeper  in  the  general 
offices  of  a  railroad  at  Columbia,  Pa.  Although  en- 
gaged in  business  affairs  he  had  some  opportunity  for 
musical  improvement.  He  sang  in  a  choir,  and  thus 
obtained  practice  in  reading  music  and  familiarity  with 
high  class  compositions;  he  rented  a  melodeon  and 
spent  much  time  in  his  room  improvising  upon  it ;  he 
bought  a  copy  of  "  Woodbury's  Harmony  and  Musical 
Composition,"  and  studied  it  as  well  as  he  could  with- 
out a  teacher.  This  was  his  first  real  study  of  music. 
He  accepted  an  invitation  to  play  the  cabinet  organ 
in  the  Methodist  Church  on  condition  that  the  tunes 
should  be  given  him  early  in  the  week  so  he  could 
learn  them.     This  was  his  first  position  as  organist. 

The  desire  for  musical  improvement  becoming 
stronger  and  stronger,  he  decided  to  take  a  vacation 
from  business  for  six  months  and  study  music — learn 
all  about  it  in  fact !  In  the  spring  of  1866  he  entered 
the  Musical  Institute  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  conducted 
by  Eben  Tourjee,  afterwards  Dr.  Tourjee,  the  founder 
of  the  New  England  Conservatory  at  Boston. 

Here  he  took  up  the  study  of  voice,  piano,  organ  and 
harmony.  Dr.  Tourjee,  learning  that  the  young  man 
had  had  office  experience,  made  him  secretar}^  of  the 
school   and   in    1867,   when   Dr.    Tourjee  and   Robert 


B.  C.  UNSELD  241 

Goldbeck  established  the  New  England  Conservatory, 
Mr.  Unseld  was  with  them  and  became  the  first  secre- 
tary of  that  widely  known  institution.  While  in 
Boston,  besides  Dr.  Tourjee  and  Dr.  Goldbeck,  Mr. 
Unseld  had  the  good  fortune  to  number  among  his 
friends  such  men  as  Carl  Zerrahn,  L.  H.  Southard, 
G.  E.  Whiting,  Luther  W.  Mason,  Lewis  Monroe, 
H.  E.  Holt,  and  others  of  like  prominence.  To  know 
these  men,  meet  them  and  converse  with  them  almost 
daily,  was  in  itself  an  education. 

In  the  summer  of  1870  he  attended  a  normal  music 
school  conducted  by  Theo.  F.  Seward,  with  whom  was 
then  begun  an  attachment  that  continued  until  Mr. 
Seward's  death.  Here  he  also  first  met  the  veteran 
voice  teacher,  Geo.  J.  Webb,  and  the  great  pianist  and 
teacher.  Dr.  Wm.  Mason.  Mr.  Unseld  is  one  of  the  few 
living  teachers  who  had  the  high  honor  of  a  personal 
acquaintance  with  the  great  father  of  American  music. 
Dr.  Lowell  Mason,  whom  he  first  met  that  summer. 
He  enjoyed  the  rare  privilege  of  visiting  him  in  his 
home. 

In  1871,  1872,  and  1873  he  attended  the  school  con- 
ducted by  Mr.  Seward,  and  officiated  as  the  secretary. 
At  these  sessions  he  formed  acquaintances  with  some 
who  afterwards  became  famous  in  the  world  of  music 
— C.  G.  Allen,  J.  A.  Butterfield,  W.  S.  B.  Mathews, 
AY.  H.  Sherwood,  James  McGranahan,  C.  C.  Case,  and 
others  of  like  renown.  From  1871  to  1880  he  was  en- 
gaged principally  in  institute  and  general  class  work. 
In  1874  he  taught  in  Fisk  University,  Nashville,  Tenn., 
and  assisted  in  training  the  celebrated  Jubilee  Singers 
for  their  European  trip.  In  1877  and  1878  he  was 
organist    and   choir   master   at   St.    James'   Episcopal 


242    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Church,  Lancaster,  Pa.  In  1879  he  took  up  his  head- 
quarters in  New  York  City,  and  for  fifteen  years  was 
busy  with  class  teaching,  choir  leading,  public  school  mu- 
sic, summer  normals,  etc.,  besides  composing,  compiling, 
and  editing  numerous  musical  publications,  including,  in 
association  with  Theo.  F.  Seward,  the  extensively  cir- 
culated tonic  sol-fa  works.  His  musical  headquarters 
in  New  York  was  at  the  great  publishing  house  of  The 
Biglow  &  Main  Co.  Here  he  was  in  almost  daily  asso- 
ciation with  popular  composers  and  teachers — Ira  D. 
Sankey,  Dr.  H.  R.  Palmer,  Hubert  P.  Main,  Dr. 
Robert  Lowry,  and  others  of  renown. 

In  1894  he  took  up  his  residence  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
and  was  connected  in  an  editorial  capacity  with  the 
Fillmore  Music  House,  with  which  company  he  still 
remains  in  affiliation.  In  1898  he  removed  to  Dayton, 
Ohio,  and  was  employed  in  a  similar  capacity  with  the 
Lorenz  Publishing  Company.  In  1901  he  resumed  his 
residence  in  New  York,  where  he  remained  until  1905, 
when  he  removed  to  Hagerstown,  Md.,  where  he  at 
present  (1911)  resides. 

In  1874  the  Virginia  Normal  Music  School  was 
founded  at  New  Market,  Ya.,  through  the  efforts  of 
Aldine  S.  Kieffer,  with  B.  C.  Unseld  as  the  principal. 
This  was  the  first  real  normal  held  in  the  South  (since 
the  Everetts'  time),  and  is  the  mother-school  of  the 
whole  system  of  similar  schools  which  became  so  popu- 
lar all  over  the  South.  Many  of  the  most  successful 
teachers  and  composers  of  the  South  were  its  pupils  or 
pupils  of  its  pupils.  As  the  principal  of  that  school  it 
can  be  justly  claimed  for  Professor  Unseld  that  he  is 
the  musical  father  or  grandfather  of  nearly  all  the  suc- 
cessful normal  teachers  of  the  South.     Professor  Un- 


B.  C.  UNSELD  243 

seld  is  a  persistent  student  of  methods  of  teaching,  and 
is  peculiarly  well  prepared  as  a  normal  teacher.  His 
teaching  is  in  some  respects  better  than  that  of  any 
other  normal  teacher,  in  that  he  does  not  confine  him- 
self to  the  method  of  any  one  man  or  system.  He 
selects  the  best  points  of  all  methods,  and  gives  his 
pupils  that  which  will  be  most  useful  to  them  in  their 
work. 

Professor  Unseld  is  blessed  with  a  genial  disposition, 
a  cordial  manner,  an  attractive  presence,  winning  at 
once  the  good  will  of  pupils  and  the  lasting  friendship 
of  all.  He  was  married  in  1887  to  Miss  Sally  H. 
Eickard,  of  Shepherdstown,  W.  Ya.  Mrs.  Unseld  is 
an  accomplished  musician,  having  made  music  a  special 
study  in  her  school  days  and  winning  gold  medals  for 
proficiency.  She  plays  the  piano  and  organ  and  has  a 
pleasing  contralto  voice,  is  a  fluent  and  accurate  sight- 
reader,  both  vocal  and  instrumental,  and  has  the  rare 
gift  of  absolute  pitch,  being  able  to  name  the  key  of 
any  piece  she  hears  or  any  succession  of  chords  as  they 
are  struck  on  the  piano. 

As  a  composer  of  vocal  music  and  compiler  and 
editor  of  music  books,  Mr.  Unseld  has  a  wide  reputation. 
He  is  the  author,  alone  or  in  association  with  others,  of 
over  a  score  of  music  books,  some  of  which  have  attained 
a  sale  of  over  a  million  copies.  He  was  an  editor  of  a 
number  of  important  works  of  wide  circulation  in  which 
his  name  does  not  appear  in  that  capacity,  including 
two  in  tonic  sol-fa  notation  and  negro  dialects  for  use 
in  Africa.  His  most  popular  song,  "  Twilight  is  Steal- 
ing," has  been  sung  by  millions  of  singers  during  the 
last 'twenty-five  years  and  is  still  in  demand. 

A  vote  of  thanks  is  due  Prof.   B.  C.  Unseld  from 


244    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

nearly  the  whole  teaching  and  gospel  song  writing 
fraternity  of  the  South  for  the  noble  service  which  he 
has  rendered  in  making  this  musical  progress  possible. 
Some  day  when  our  toils  are  o'er,  we  hope  to  meet 
and  sing  the  "  new  song  "  in  that  beautiful  home : 

'■ '  Far  away  beyond  the  starlit  skies, 
Where  the  love  light  never,  never  dies." 


J.  H.  ROSECRANS. 


XL 

J.  H.  Rosecrans 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  James  Holmes  Rose- 
crans, was  born  at  Berne,  Albany  County, 
N.  Y.,  August  3,  1844.  His  father,  who  was 
a  physician,  died  when  the  son  was  a  lad  of  but  eight 
summers.  This  necessitated  James  to  make  his  own 
way  in  the  world.  He  worked  for  several  years  on  a 
farm,  and  being  a  lover  of  music,  would  spend  his  spare 
time  in  the  study  and  practice  of  the  "  divine  art."  He 
also  worked  for  some  time  in  a  flouring  mill ;  but  finally 
gave  all  up  for  music  study.  He  entered  Baxter's 
University  of  Music,  Friendship,  N.  Y.,  which  was  then 
a  very  flourishing  school.  Prof.  A.  N.  Johnson  was 
president  and  Prof.  James  Baxter  principal. 

He  was  twenty  years  of  age  when  he  entered  this 
school,  and  continued  with  it  nearly  four  years,  going 
into  the  country  during  vacation  and  at  other  times  in 
order  to  get  means  to  carry  him  through. 

By  the  time  he  had  studied  two  years  in  the  music 
school  he  began  to  compose,  and  before  he  left  it  had 
published  what  proved  to  be  a  popular  little  cantata  for 
Sunday-schools,  entitled  "  Three  Christian  Graces." 
Some  ten  years  afterwards  he  revised  and  enlarged  it 
and  called  it  "  Faith,  Hope  and  Love." 

He  also  issued  about  this  time  a  Sunday-school  book 
which  he  called  "  The  Little  Sower."     This  book  had  a 

247 


248    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

good  sale,  and  some  of  his  songs  that  are  used  to  this 
day  first  appeared  in  it. 

After  a  short  itinerant  life  as  a  "  singing  teacher  " 
he  accepted  a  position  in  the  Music  Conservatory  of 
Des  Moines,  Iowa.  During  this  time  he  published  a 
Sunday-school  book  entitled,  "  Pearly  Gates."  This 
book  had  a  wide  circulation. 

About  this  time  Mr.  Rosecrans  became  acquainted 
with  Fillmore  Brothers,  and  contributed  some  very 
valuable  songs  to  their  first  book,  "  Songs  of  Glory." 
This  acquaintance  soon  ripened  into  a  fast  friendship, 
and  ever  since  The  Fillmore  Brothers,  of  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  have  published  all  of  his  musical  works.  For  a 
number  of  years  Mr.  Rosecrans  made  his  home  with 
the  Fillmores,  at  Avhich  time  they  worked  together 
agreeably  and  profitably. 

For  several  years  he  travelled  among  the  churches 
teaching  congregational  singing  and  drilling  Sunday- 
schools.  From  his  lecturing  he  naturally  became  a 
preacher,  and  was  ordained  to  the  ministry  of  the 
Christian  Church.  He  was  called  to  be  State  Sunday- 
school  Evangelist  of  California,  in  1884,  which  call  he 
accepted.  He  was  quite  successful,  and  has  received 
similar  calls  to  other  states  since,  but  has  given  his 
later  years  to  the  state  of  Texas.  A  t  present  he  is  pro- 
fessor of  moral  and  mental  science  and  Biblical  litera- 
ture in  Carlton  College,  Bonham,  Texas. 

Mr.  Rosecrans  is  a  fine  Christian  gentleman.  Modest, 
unassuming,  genial,  influential,  good-natured  and  sincere. 
He  is  a  sweet  singer  and  an  excellent  organist.  His 
gospel  songs  are  bright  and  many  are  very  popular, 
lie  has  edited  more  than  twenty  music  books,  some  of 
which  are  :  "  Polished  Pearls,"  ''  The  Helping  Hand  " 


J.  H.  ROSECRANS  249 

(associated  with  Mr.  W.  T.  Giffe),  "  The  Voice  of  Joy," 
"The  Children's  Hallelujah,"  "Gems  and  Jewels" 
(associated  with  Mr.  J.  H.  Fillmore),  "  Christian  Work- 
Songs,"  "  The  Beauty,"  "  The  Lightning  Music  Reader," 
"  The  Festival  Glee  Book,"  "  The  Wide-Awake  Glee 
Book,"  "  Knights  Templar  Melodies,"  etc.  Some  of 
his  cantatas  are :  "  Santa  Claus  and  Family,"  "  The 
New  Year,"  "  Bon-Bon  Land,"  etc.  He  also  has  a 
Thorough  Base  Book.  In  addition  to  these  books  he 
contributed  largely  to  song  books  edited  by  other 
authors,  besides  writing  a  number  of  songs  in  sheet 
form. 

Among  his  many  popular  gospel  songs  we  mention 
the  following  :  "  The  Celestial  City,"  "  Keep  Step  Ever," 
"  Little  Feet,  Be  Careful,"  "  Zion,  Lovely  Zion,"  "  The 
Rock  and  the  Sand,"  "  Rowing  Against  the  Tide," 
"  Jesus  is  Calling  To-day,"  and  many  others. 

In  addition  to  his  musical  contributions,  Mr.  Rose- 
crans  has  contributed  to  various  religious  papers,  etc. 

Few  men  have  done  more  difficult,  patient,  skillful, 
efficient  Christian  work  in  the  last  thirty  or  more  years 
than  Mr.  Rosecrans.  Perhaps  the  chief  cause  of  his 
well-earned  distinction  is  attributable  to  his  long  and 
valuable  services  in  the  field  of  sacred  music.  Hun- 
dreds of  persons  have  been  brought  into  the  church 
through  his  inspiring  gospel  songs  and  evangelistic 
labors. 


VV.  L.  THOMPSON. 


XLI 

Will  L.  Thompson 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch  was  one  of  America's 
most  popular  song  writers.  His  music  has 
found  its  way  into  every  nook  and  corner  of 
the  singing  world.  It  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  per- 
son who  sings  who  is  not  familiar  with  some  of  his 
compositions. 

Will  Lamartine  Thompson  was  born  at  East  Liver- 
pool, Ohio,  ISTovember  7,  1847.  His  father,  the  Hon. 
Josiah  Thompson,  was  a  successful  business  man,  and 
for  two  terms  a  member  of  the  state  legislature.  All 
the  family  were  lovers  of  music,  but  Will  Lamartine 
alone  made  it  a  serious  study.  Lie  readily  learned  to 
play  on  instruments  and  even  while  a  boy  was  in  de- 
mand as  pianist  for  local  concerts.  When  he  was  only 
sixteen  years  old  he  composed  "  Darling  Minnie  Gray  " 
and  "Liverpool  Schottische,"  both  of  which  were  pub- 
lished. 

He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  the  town. 
Later  he  attended  Union  College. 

In  the  years  1 870-1 S73,  he  attended  the  Boston 
Music  School,  where  he  took  a  course  in  piano,  organ 
and  harmony.  Near  the  close  of  his  work  here  he 
wrote  a  song  which,  when  published,  almost  immedi- 
ately attained  great  popularity.  That  song  was 
"  Gathering  Shells  From  the  Seashore." 

251 


252    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Mr.  Thompson  also  studied  in  Germany.  Music 
seemed  to  be  his  natural  element. 

In  1874  he  took  four  of  his  songs  in  manuscript  to  a 
well-known  publisher  in  Cleveland  and  offered  all  for 
one  hundred  dollars.  He  was  informed  by  the  pub- 
lisher that  the  four  pieces  were  not  worth  at  the  out- 
side more  than  twenty-five  dollars.  After  thinking  the 
matter  over  for  some  time,  he  decided  to  take  his  songs 
back  home  with  him.  Later  he  had  his  songs  pub- 
lished in  New  York  City,  but  managed  the  sales  him- 
self. All  the  songs  had  a  good  sale,  but  two  of  them, 
"Gathering  Shells  From  the  Seashore"  and  "Drifting 
With  the  Tide,"  became  immensely  popular.  In  less 
than  a  year  the  publisher  who  had  refused  to  pay  one 
hundred  dollars  for  the  manuscripts  had  turned  over 
to  the  author  in  profits  more  than  a  thousand  dollars. 
From  this  initial  venture  his  financial  returns  were 
most  gratifying.  Thus  began  what  afterwards  de- 
veloped into  the  flourishing  and  popular  firm — Will  L. 
Thompson  &  Co. 

Mr.  Thompson's  chief  ambition  Tvas  to  write  music 
for  the  people ;  in  this  he  was  eminently  successful. 

A  friend  once  said  to  Mr.  Thompson :  "  How  do 
you  go  about  writing  a  song  ?  " 

Opening  a  folio  of  manuscripts  he  replied :  "  You 
see  here  perhaps  fifty  or  more  manuscripts  in  various 
degrees  of  completion.  Most  of  them  are  unfinished, 
and  some  merely  contain  the  idea  or  theme.  Others, 
you  see,  are  almost  ready  for  publication.  I  carry  with 
me  always  a  pocket  memorandum,  and  no  matter  where 
I  am,  at  home  or  hotel,  at  the  store  or  in  the  cars,  if  an 
idea  or  theme  comes  to  me  that  I  deem  worthy  of  a 
song,  I  jot  it  down  in  verse,  and  as  I  do  so  the  music 


WILL  L.  THOMPSON  253 

simply  comes  to  me  naturally,  so  I  write  words  and 
music  enough  to  call  back  the  whole  theme  again  any 
time  I  open  to  it.  In  this  way  I  never  lose  it.  I  sat 
down  one  day  at  the  seashore,  and  in  about  ten  min- 
utes wrote  words  and  music  of  '  Gathering  Shells  From 
the  Seashore.'  I  sat  in  a  little  boat  one  afternoon  at 
Chautauqua  Lake,  and  while  my  companion  rowed 
through  the  lily  beds  I  wrote  '  Come,  Where  the  Lilies 
Bloom.'  So  you  see  the  surroundings  generally  sug- 
gest the  theme." 

"  But  how  do  you  get  the  music  in  your  mind  with- 
out going  to  the  instrument  ?  " 

"That  is  hard  to  explain  to  any  but  a  musician. 
The  music  comes  to  my  mind  the  same  as  any  other 
thought.  As  I  write  the  words  of  a  song,  a  fitting 
melody  is  already  in  my  mind,  and  as  I  jot  down  the 
notes  of  the  music  I  know  just  how  it  will  sound.  I 
write  the  different  parts  of  the  harmony  and  the  whole 
piece  is  rehearsed  in  my  mind  ;  I  hear  the  blending  of 
the  different  voices  and  know  just  how  each  part  will 
sound  in  its  harmonic  relations  to  the  other  parts.  Of 
course  to  do  this  intelligently,  one  must  have  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  science  of  harmony,  as  there  are  rules 
governing  the  harmonic  relations  of  sounds  just  as  ar- 
bitrary as  the  rules  of  mathematics." 

Mr.  Thompson  was  a  successful  business  man  as  well 
as  a  talented  and  successful  composer,  and  his  work 
brought  him  a  fortune  of  which  any  composer  or  liter- 
ary man  might  well  be  proud.  In  addition  to  scores  of 
songs  published  in  sheet  form,  he  also  issued  a  number 
of  books,  entitled  as  follows :  "  Thompson's  Class  and 
Concert,"  "  Thompson's  Popular  Anthems,  Yols.  1  and 
2,"  "  The  New  Century  Hymnal,"  "  The  Youug  Peo- 


254    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

pie's  Choir,"  and  "  Enduring  Hymns."  These  books 
have  all  met  with  general  favor.  Among  his  many 
popular  gospel  songs  are  :  "  There's  a  Great  Day  Com- 
ing," "  Softly  and  Tenderly,"  "  The  Sinner  and  Song," 
"  Lead  Me  Gently  Home,  Father,"  "  Jesus  is  All  the 
World  to  Me,"  etc. 

Mr.  Thompson  was  a  good  man,  kind,  quiet,  unassum- 
ing, and  one  who  was  greatly  loved  and  admired. 

In  1891,  Mr.  Thompson  married  Miss  Elizabeth  John- 
son, a  lady  of  culture  and  refinement.  Their  home  at 
East  Liverpool,  Ohio,  is  one  of  elegance  and  beauty. 

In  1909,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thompson  and  their  son  made 
a  tour  through  Europe.  On  their  return  trip  Mr, 
Thompson  was  stricken  with  pneumonia.  On  reaching 
New  York,  he  was  taken  at  once  to  the  Presbyterian 
Hospital,  where  he  died  September  20,  1909.  His  re- 
mains were  taken  to  East  Liverpool  for  burial. 


E.   E.   REXFORD. 


XLII 

E.  E*  Rexford 

EBEN  E.  KEXFOKD  was  born  at  Johnsburgh, 
N.  Y.,  July  16,  1818.     When  about  eight  years 
old,  his  parents  moved  to  Wisconsin,  where  he 
has  since  resided. 

When  quite  young  his  talent  for  versification  made 
itself  evident.  His  first  attempts  at  verse- writing  were 
published  in  a  New  York  paper.  When  about  sixteen 
he  received  his  first  check  for  literary  work,  and  that 
decided  for  him  the  choice  of  literature  as  a  profession. 
Up  to  that  time  he  had  received  only  such  educational 
training  as  the  common  schools  afford.  With  a  view 
to  fitting  himself  for  larger  usefulness  in  the  field  he 
had  chosen  for  himself,  he  entered  Lawrence  University, 
at  Appleton,  Wis.,  and  paid  his  way  through  school  by 
writing  stories  and  poems  for  the  eastern  magazines. 
It  was  while  he  was  in  college  that  Mr.  H.  P.  Danks, 
of  New  York,  wrote  him  asking  for  song-words,  which 
some  one  had  told  the  composer  he  had  the  "  knack  " 
of  writing.  Mr.  Danks  offered  to  pay  three  dollars  for 
each  song  he  accepted.  Mr.  Eexford  sent  him  nine, 
and  subsequently  he  was  paid  eighteen  dollars  for  six 
of  them,  and  the  other  three  were  never  accounted  for. 
One  of  the  songs  sent  was  ''  Silver  Threads  Among  the 
Gold,"  which  gained  world-wide  popularity,  as  set  to 
music  by  Mr.  Danks.  Mr.  Eexford,  in  telling  the  story 
of  this  song,  often  says  that  he  doesn't  know  whether 

257 


258    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

it  brought  him  three  dollars  or  nothing  since  he  has  no 
means  of  knowing  whether  it  was  one  of  the  six  paid 
for  or  one  of  the  three  which  were  lost. 

Mr.  Rexf ord  first  heard  the  song  sung  under  rather 
peculiar  circumstances.  He  was  aware  that  it  had 
been  published,  but  he  had  never  seen  it.  While  on  a 
visit  home,  during  vacation,  a  compan}^  of  Oneida  In- 
dians from  the  reservation  near  Green  Bay  gave  a 
concert  in  Shiocton.  He  attended  this,  and  heard  his 
song  sung  for  the  first  time,  little  thinking  that  it  was 
destined  to  prove  one  of  the  most  popular  ever  written. 

Previous  to  this,  he  had  written  several  songs  for 
Dr.  Geo.  F.  Root,  the  well-known  Chicago  composer. 
These  were  published  in  books  edited  by  Dr.  Root, 
and  in  sheet  form,  and  those  of  a  sacred  character  soon 
attracted  attention,  and  the  demand  came  for  more. 
As  nearly  as  he  can  remember,  the  first  one  to  become 
popular  was  "  The  Beacon  Light."  Others  followed  in 
rapid  succession,  among  them,  "  O,  Where  Are  the 
Reapers  ?  "  one  of  the  most  popular  of  Sunday-school 
songs.  As  originally  written,  the  title  of  this  song 
was,  "  O,  We  Are  the  Reapers."  Mr.  Root  showed  the 
song  as  he  had  set  it  to  Mr.  Sankey,  who  was  then  be- 
ginning his  gospel-song  work  in  connection  with  Mr. 
Moody,  and  expressed  the  opinion  that  it  could  be 
made  useful  in  evangelistic  work.  Mr.  Sankey  agreed 
with  him,  but  when  he  talked  the  matter  over  with 
Mr.  Moody  the  latter  objected  to  the  title,  because  it 
would  seem  as  if  the  use  of  the  word  "  we "  carried 
with  it  the  idea  that  they  were  the  "  great  and  only  " 
reapers  in  the  field.  At  his  suggestion  the  title  was 
changed  to  "  O  Where,"  etc. 

Since  then  Mr.  Rexford  has  written  a  great  many 


E.  E.  REXFORD  259 

songs  of  similar  character  for  such  composers  as  Root, 
Murray,  Sankey,  Excell,  Gabriel,  and  others  who  have 
furnished  music  for  the  standard  hyranology  of  the 
day.  His  work  will  be  found  in  nearly  all  collections 
of  sacred  music. 

Hymn-writing  has  been  a  side  issue  with  him,  how- 
ever. His  stories  and  poems  have  been  published  in 
many  of  the  leading  magazines  east  and  west,  and  his 
articles  of  floriculture  have  secured  for  him  positions 
on  nearly  all  the  household  magazines  in  an  editorial 
capacity.  For  fourteen  years  he  had  charge  of  the 
floricultural  department  of  the  Ladies'  Home  Journal^ 
and  is  now  doing  similar  work  on  American  Homes 
and  Gardens^  House  and  Garden^  and  American  Home 
Monthly^  while  independent  articles  along  this  line  are 
constantly  being  contributed  to  leading  periodicals. 
The  late  Peter  Henderson  said :  '*  Mr.  Rexford  has 
done  more  to  make  flower-growing  popular  than  all 
the  rest  of  us  put  together  " — high  praise,  coming  from 
such  a  source,  and  a  tribute  of  which  the  author  is 
justly  proud.  For  some  years  he  was  connected  with 
James  Yick,  whose  name  was  a  household  word  among 
flower-loving  people,  as  a  contributor  to  Yich^s  Maga- 
zine^ and  it  was  while  doing  work  on  this  periodical 
that  his  first  book,  ''  Home  Floriculture,"  was  pub- 
lished. Since  then  he  has  published  "  Flowers — How 
to  Grow  Them,"  "  Four  Seasons  in  a  Garden,"  "  The 
Home  Garden,"  and  a  new  book,  called  "  Indoor  Gar- 
dening," is  now  on  the  press. 

Mr.  Rexford  has  never  published  his  miscellaneous 
poems  in  book  form,  but  some  years  ago  he  brought 
out  a  story  in  verse,  "  Brother  and  Lover,"  which  has 
sold  steadily  ever  since,  and  gains  in  popularity  with 


260    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

each  succeeding  year.  It  is  a  story  of  war-time,  and 
has  in  it  the  heart-interest  which  seems  to  characterize 
most  of  this  author's  work  along  poetical  lines. 

Mr.  Rexford  is  very  happily  married,  and  has  a 
beautiful  home  in  the  fine  little  town  of  Shiocton,  Wis. 
He  has  been  organist  of  the  Congregational  Church  in 
that  place  for  over  twenty  years.  Two  years  ago  his 
alma  mater ^  in  recognition  of  his-  work  along  literary 
lines,  conferred  on  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Litera- 
ture. 

Mr.  Rexford  has  written  quite  a  number  of  secular 
songs  which  have  been  popular,  especially  several  set 
to  music  by  the  late  Harrison  Millard,  among  which 
"  The  Two  Pictures  "  and  "  The  Ebbing  Tide  "  are  best 
known.  Another,  "  Only  a  Pansy  Blossom,"  was  very 
popular  some  years  ago. 

Many  of  his  best  sacred  songs  have  been  set  to  music 
for  the  special  use  of  prominent  singers  in  church  work, 
and  he  has  furnished  English  words  for  some  of  the 
most  popular  operatic  airs  for  this  purpose  for  eastern 
musicians.  Dr.  Rexford's  gospel  poems  have  greatly 
enriched  the  hymnology  of  the  church. 


GEO.   C.   HUGG. 


XLIII 

George  C.  Hugg 

GEOKGE  C.  HUGG,  son  of  the  late  John  and 
Elizabeth  Hugg,  was  born  May  23,  1848,  near 
Hacldonfield,  N.  J.  His  earlier  years  were 
spent  on  a  farm,  and  he  received  his  education  in  the 
public  schools.  Being  naturally  musical,  alone  and 
unaided,  he  studied  harmony  and  composition,  and 
made  fine  progress.  When  only  twelve  years  of  age 
he  became  choirmaster  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at 
Berlin,  E".  J.  He  studied  and  practiced  diligently  at 
every  opportunity,  and  when  fourteen  years  old,  his 
first  song  was  published,  entitled  "  Walk  in  the  Light," 
and  it  became  very  popular,  which  greatly  encouraged 
the  young  author. 

Mr.  Hugg  was  quite  a  prolific  composer,  and  his 
compositions  number  over  two  thousand ;  eighteen 
books  of  revival  and  Sunday-school  music,  and  about 
ninety  song  services  for  special  occasions,  such  as 
Christmas,  Easter,  Children's  Day,  etc.  Many  of  his 
songs  have  been  reprinted  in  other  books  and  translated 
into  several  different  languages ;  thus  they  are  sung 
largely  over  the  world  and  are  instrumental  in  leading 
many  from  the  way  of  sin  into  Christ's  Kingdom. 

In  1891,  Mr.  Hugg  was  married  to  Miss  Annie  E. 
Ketchum,  of  Scull ville,  N.  J.,  a  lady  of  culture  and 

263 


2(U    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

intelligence,  and  a  strong  helper  in  her  husband's  pub- 
lishing business. 

Mr.  Hugg  had  a  rich  baritone  voice  of  wide  range 
which  enabled  him  to  succeed  both  as  a  soloist  and 
leader;  he  was  also  a  good  speaker,  and  did  much 
Christian  work  in  various  places.  He  was  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  choirmaster  of  Tabernacle  Presbyterian 
Church  and  Sunday-school,  and  Broad  and  Arch  Street 
M.  E.  Church,  Sunday-school,  all  of  Philadelphia.  He 
was  closely  connected  with,  and  took  active  part  in. 
Harper  Memorial  Presbyterian  Church  and  Sunday- 
school,  29th  Street  and  Susquehanna  Avenue,  same 
city.  For  over  sixteen  years  he  also  held  different 
offices,  such  as  elder,  deacon,  trustee  and  assistant 
Sunday-school  superintendent.  Among  the  books  pub- 
lished by  Mr.  Hugg  we  mention  the  following :  "  The 
Crowning  Triumph,"  "  Exalted  Praise,"  "  Temperance 
Light,"  "  Bible  Gems,"  "  Golden  Rays,"  "The  Helper," 
"Laus  Deo  and  Sacred  Duets,"  '^Sunlight  in  Sacred 
Song,"  "Rich  in  Blessing,"  "Heavens  Echo,"  "On 
Wings  of  Song,"  "Echo  and  Blessing  Combined," 
"  Light  in  the  Yalley,"  "  Songs  of  the  Mercy-Seat," 
"  Fairer  than  Day,"  "  Corn  in  Egypt,"  and  "  The  Royal 
Proclamation  of  Song." 

Some  of  his  most  popular  and  widely  known  gospel 
songs  are  :  "  No,  Not  One,"  "  Scatter  Precious  Seed," 
"  Round  the  Pier,"  "We'll  Never  Say  Good-Bye,"  "I 
Expect  to  Get  to  Heaven  by  the  Same  Old  Way," 
"Take  Off  the  Old  Coat,"  "Beautiful  Land  of  the 
Jasper  Walls,"  "The  Fire  is  Burning,"  "The  Blood 
Upon  the  Door,"  "Anchored,"  "Jesus  Never  Leaves 
the  Ship,"  "  The  Isle  of  Somewhere,"  "  Gathering  On 
the   Hilltops  of   Glory,"   and  "Satisfied."     His   only 


GEORGE  C.  HUGG  265 

child  inspired  him  to  wi'ite  one  of  his  most  beautiful 
hymns,  which  he  entitled  ''  Father  Holds  the  Hand," 
and  dedicated  it  to  his  "  Evangeline." 

Over  one  hundred  thousand  copies  each  of  "  Rich  in 
Blessing  "  and  "  Light  in  the  Valley  "  were  sold.  Two 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  copies  of  Easter  services 
were  sold  by  a  New  York  house  in  one  season. 
Mr.  Hugg  was  quite  a  successful  composer  and  pub- 
lisher in  his  line  of  work  in  Philadelphia.  He  was 
well  known  throughout  New  Jersey,  Philadelphia, 
Central  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  and  Maryland  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Conferences,  being  associated  with  the 
musical  part  of  a  number  of  their  different  camp- 
meetings. 

Mr.  Hugg  died  October  13,  1907.  A  great  worker 
in  the  vineyard  of  gospel  song  is  gone,  but  many  of  his 
songs  will  live  on  and  do  good.  Mrs.  Hugg  conducts 
the  publishing  business  since  the  death  of  her  husband. 
May  success  crown  her  every  effort.  She  resides  in 
Philadelphia.  The  gospel  in  song  is  one  of  the  most 
effectual  means  of  the  age  in  reaching  the  unsaved,  and 
evangelizing  the  world. 


W.  T.  GIFFE. 


XLIY 

W.  T.  Giffe 

WILLIAM  THOMAS  GIFFE  was  born  at 
Portland,  Indiana,  June  28,  1848.  Shortly 
after  his  birth  his  parents  moved  to  a  farm, 
only  partly  cleared.  "  "W.  T.,"  as  he  is  familiarly  called, 
remained  until  he  was  just  sixteen  when  he  entered  the 
Union  army  and  served  as  a  soldier  during  the  last  year 
of  the  Civil  War. 

He  was  educated  at  Liver  College  (now  extinct)  and 
studied  law  for  two  years.  In  the  meantime  he  had 
been  a  singer  in  the  college  glee  club  and  had  taken 
lessons  in  the  college  singing  school.  Later  he  studied 
with  such  teachers  as  Prof.  J.  W.  Suffern,  Dr.  Geo.  F. 
Eoot,  Dr.  L.  O.  Emerson,  Dr.  H.  K.  Palmer,  and 
Dr.  H.  S.  Perkins,  in  their  normal  music  schools. 

He  was  in  much  demand  as  a  concert  singer,  having 
a  fine  baritone  voice.  He  soon  became  popular  as 
a  chorus  director  and  a  convention  conductor.  Mr. 
Giffe's  first  book  for  singing  schools  was  the  "  New 
Favorite,"  of  which  many  thousands  were  sold.  His 
books  for  male  voices  have  been  very  popular ;  the  same 
is  true  of  his  many  anthem  books. 

The  Oliver  Ditson  Company,  Boston,  Mass.,  are  the 
publishers  of  several  of  his  former  books,  but  his  later 
works  are  all  published  by  The  Home  Music  Company, 
Logansport,  Ind.,  of  which  firm  Mr.  Giffe  is  the  owner 
and  proprietor.     He  is  also  the  author  of  "  A  Practical 

267 


268    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Course  in  Harmony  and  Musical  Composition,"  one  of 
the  plainest  and  most  complete  harmony  text-books  of 
the  present  day.  This  book  is  now  published  by 
Theo.  Presser,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Mr.  Giffe  was  editor  and  publisher  of  the  Home 
Music  Jouimal  (now  discontinued)  for  several  years. 
He  is  an  excellent  writer. 

He .  was  supervisor  of  music  in  the  public  schools  of 
his  home  city  for  a  number  of  years.  His  work  in  the 
schools  was  a  pronounced  success.  He  resigned  this 
work  to  engage  in  the  publishing  business. 

He  is  the  author  of  a  number  of  gospel  songs  that 
have  become  favorites  wherever  used. 

Mr.  Giffe,  wife  and  adopted  daughter  reside  in 
Logansport,  Ind.,  in  one  of  the  most  beautiful  residences 
in  that  city  owned  by  himself.  He  is  a  man  of  un- 
questionable integrity  and  high  standing.  He  is  a 
fluent  speaker  and  has  been  in  frequent  demand  as  a 
speaker  on  public  occasions.  He  was  one  of  three 
public  men  selected  to  deliver  an  address  on  the  occasion 
of  the  late  President  McKinley  Memorial  Services  held 
in  Logansport  on  the  day  of  the  President's  funeral. 

His  musical  works,  his  teaching,  his  citizenship,  his 
home  and  home  life  are  a  great  credit  to  the  music 
profession.  For  several  years  past  he  has  done  but 
little  teaching,  as  his  time  is  almost  wholly  occupied  in 
his  real  estate  business,  and  the  supervision  of  the 
business  of  The  Home  Music  Company.  His  home  is 
noted  for  its  hospitality,  where  musical  people  always 
are  sure  of  a  warm  welcome. 

Prof.  W.  T.  Giffe  is  a  talented  man,  and  a  gentle- 
man who  has  done  much  good  musical  work.  May  he 
live  long  and  continue  to  let  his  musical  light  shine. 


J.   H.   FILLMORE. 


XLY 


J.  H.  Fillmore 


JAMES  HENRY  FILLMORE  was  born  in  Cincin- 
nati, Ohio,  June  1,  1849.  He  is  the  eldest  of  a 
family  of  seven  children,  five  sons  and  two 
daughters.  The  parents  of  this  musical  family  were 
Rev.  A.  D.  Fillmore,  a  minister  of  the  Christian  Church, 
and  a  musical  author  and  publisher  of  note  in  his  day, 
and  Hannah  M.  Fillmore  (nee  Lockwood),  a  singer  of 
considerable  fame  in  her  time. 

Three  of  the  sons,  J.  H.,  Charles  M.,  and  Fred.  A., 
have  made  their  mark  as  composers,  and  have  been  a 
part  of  the  Fillmore  Brothers'  music  firm  since  young 
manhood.  Frank  has  taught  music  classes,  but  at 
present  is  a  farmer  in  Oklahoma.  Aden  L.,  the 
youngest,  has  made  a  reputation  as  an  evangelistic 
singer,  and  for  several  years  has  taught  music  in  the 
public  schools  in  the  suburbs  of  Pittsburgh,  also  con- 
ducting large  chorus  choirs  in  churches. 

J.  H.  Fillmore,  after  going  through  the  public  schools 
of  Cincinnati,  learned  the  printing  trade — typesetting, 
including  music  printing.  At  the  time  J.  H.  was 
twenty-one  his  father  died,  leaving  the  family  on  a 
small  farm  near  Cincinnati.  The  father  left  also  a  little 
estate  consisting  of  one  or  two  church  music  books  that 
were  selling  pretty  ^vell.  J.  H.  decided  to  quit  the 
printing-office  and  devote  himself  to  teaching  church 

271 


272    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

congregational  singing,  using  the  books  that  his  father 
had  published. 

He  made  a  success  of  music  teaching  and  music  book 
selling,  thereby  supporting  the  family  and  educating, 
the  younger  children.  He  soon  revised  the  latest 
church  music  book  of  his  deceased  father,  adding  to  it 
many  of  the  later  popular  pieces,  with  some  of  his  own 
writing,  thereby  greatly  increasing  its  sale. 

His  first  song  book  was  "Songs  of  Glory,"  for 
Sunday-schools.  He  had  invented  a  notation  with 
figures  in  the  notes.  This  book  became  very  popular. 
Its  large  sales  enabled  him  and  his  brother  Frank  to 
launch  the  firm  of  Fillmore  Brothers,  music  publishers, 
which  is  now  so  well  known.  "  Songs  of  Glory  "  was 
issued  in  1874  and  was  followed  by  "Hours  of  Song" 
for  singing  schools  which  sold  largely,  and,  surprising 
as  it  may  seem,  is  still  having  a  good  sale. 

From  this  beginning  grew  one  of  the  most  influential 
music  publishing  houses  in  the  country.  In  the  lines 
of  church  and  Sunday-school  music,  gospel  songs,  day- 
school  songs,  anthems,  choruses,  temperance  and  pro- 
hibition songs  and  general  sheet  music,  the  firm  has 
for  years  occupied  a  foremost  position.  Several  years 
ago  a  monthly  music  journal,  called  The  Musical 
Messenger  and  edited  by  Chas.  M.  and  J.  H.  Fill- 
more, was  published  by  the  firm.  It  was  the  most 
popular  magazine  of  its  day  with  teachers  and  amateurs. 
The  Musical  Messenger  has,  in  recent  years,  been 
changed  to  a  band  and  orchestra  journal,  with  a  large 
circulation. 

While  Mr.  Fillmore  has  been  all  these  years  at  the 
head  of  the  Fillmore  Brothers'  Music  House,  he  has  also 
written   music  voluminously.     The  books  that  he  has 


J.  H.  FILLMORE  273 

edited  and  helped  edit  run  up  into  the  hundreds,  both 
large  and  small.  In  addition  he  has  kept  up  an  annual 
issue  of  services  or  concert  exercises  for  Sunday-schools 
for  Christmas,  Easter,  Children's  Day  and  other  special 
occasions. 

He  has  always  been  an  active  church  and  Sunday- 
school  worker,  leading  the  music  and  serving  as  a 
church  officer  in  his  home  congregation.  He  has  also 
been  a  prominent  figure  in  the  national  gatherings  of 
his  denomination,  often  leading  the  music  at  its  con- 
ventions, and  has  been  honored  by  his  brethren  with 
positions  on  their  missionary  boards. 

Mr.  Fillmore  was  one  of  the  founders  of  The  Prot- 
estant Home  for  Working  Boys  in  Cincinnati,  an  in- 
stitution for  taking  care  of  orphan  boys.  It  was 
started  in  1899  and  is  still  in  a  flourishing  condition, 
having  graduated  into  honorable  manhood  many  boys 
who  might  otherwise  have  perished.  From  the  begin- 
ning of  the  Home  Mr.  Fillmore  has  been  an  honored 
trustee  and  the  active  treasurer  of  the  institution.  He 
has  also  been  a  liberal  contributor  to  the  Home  as  well 
as  to  many  other  worthy  benevolences.  In  fact,  much 
of  the  money  that  Mr.  Fillmore  has  earned  has  found 
its  way  into  the  various  departments  of  church  activi- 
ties and  other  benevolent  institutions. 

While  Mr.  Fillmore  has  never  been  a  politician  in 
the  popular  sense  of  the  term,  he,  feeling  his  respon- 
sibility as  a  citizen,  has  always  been  deeply  interested 
in  good  government ;  and  has  ever  been  active  and 
persistent  in  his  earnest  advocacy  of  all  moral  reforms. 
In  his  conscientious  views  of  righteous  government  he 
has  not  always  been  "  the  stronger  on  the  stronger 
side,"    but   has   never  yielded  his  convictions  nor  his 


274    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WAITERS 

persistence.  Though  singularly  without  malice  or  par- 
tisan bias,  he  has  ever  had  the  courage  of  his  convic- 
tions, and  has  never  feared  nor  failed  to  lift  his  voice 
and  use  his  pen  in  behalf  of  what  he  conscientiously 
felt  to  be  right  in  political,  social  or  religious  matters. 

Mr.  Fillmore's  health  was  never  robust.  He  has  been 
rather  a  delicate  and  overworked  man,  and  has  passed 
through  some  financial  and  physical  trials  that  have 
hindered  him  for  a  time  ;  but  now,  in  his  sixty -second 
year,  his  health  is  better  than  it  ever  was,  and  he  is 
doing  more  and  better  work  than  at  any  period  of  his 
life.  He  does  not  seem  to  know  that  there  is  such  a 
thing  as  a  "  dead  line  "  this  side  of  the  tomb.  Every 
one  who  knows  him  ex^^ects  him  to  live  as  long  as 
Gladstone  or  Fanny  Crosby,  and  to  be  just  as  virile  as 
the  former,  and  as  unfading  and  unfailing  as  the  latter, 
to  the  last. 

Personally,  Mr.  Fillmore  is  congenial,  liberal  and 
companionable.  He  is  well  beloved  by  all  who  know 
him.  He  is  not  rich  in  this  world's  goods  because  he 
has  been  generous.  He  has  handled  a  good  deal  of 
money  in  his  time,  and  much  that  he  has  personally 
earned  has  been  banked  in  heaven  where  he  hopes 
some  day  to  find  it. 

This  sketch  would  not  be  complete  without  mention 
of  the  home-life  of  Mr.  Fillmore.  To  him  the  precincts 
of  home  have  ever  been  sacred,  and  here  in  the  bosom 
of  his  interesting  family  he  has  found  inspiration,  en- 
couragement, happiness  and  rest.  Here  he  is  cherished, 
honored  and  loved.  His  home  calls  out  his  utmost 
fidelity  and  devotion,  his  loyalty  and  love. 

He  was  happily  married  thirty-one  years  ago.  He 
and  his  wife  before  their  marriag-e  were  teachers  in 


J.  H.  FILLMOKE  2Y5 

the  Sunday-school  together.  It  has  always  been  a 
question  ol"  debate  as  to  which  is  the  most  popular  of 
the  two.  Their  home  has  been  the  hospitable  abiding 
place  of  preachers,  missionaries  and  prominent  people 
of  their  church,  as  well  as  the  stopping  place  for  their 
large  circle  of  relatives  and  friends.  In  other  words, 
they  have  always  been  entertainers  in  their  home.  Tliey 
have  four  living  children.  The  oldest,  Henry  Fillmore, 
is  a  band  and  orchestra  musician  and  composer.  He 
is  now  associated  with  The  Fillmore  Music  House, 
having  an  office  in  the  building.  His  special  work  is 
writing  and  arranging  band  and  orchestra  music,  both 
sacred  and  secular.  He  writes  not  only  under  his  own 
name,  but  under  a  nom  cU  jpUi^me  or  two,  and  it  is  not 
an  exaggeration  to  say  that  his  band  and  orchestra 
music  is  as  popular  as  any  published.  His  special  band 
instrument  is  the  slide  trombone.  He  has  written 
some  trombone  humoresques  that  are  standard  concert 
numbers.  Their  daughter  Mary  is  married  to  Mr. 
S.  C.  Shipley,  a  professor  in  the  University  of  Minne- 
sota. They  live  in  their  own  home  in  Minneapolis. 
Freddie,  the  second  daughter,  named  after  her  uncle, 
Fred.  A.,  is  a  fine  pianist  and  singer.  The  baby  daugh- 
ter, Annie  Louise,  graduated  from  the  Norwood  (Cin- 
cinnati) High  School,  June,  1911.  She  is  a  talented, 
all-round  musician  as  w^ell  as  a  popular  teacher  and 
leader  among  her  set. 

This  world  has  been  made  happier  and  better  be- 
cause James  H.  Fillmore  lived  in  it.  The  sunshine  of 
his  nature  has  scattered  many  a  cloud,  and  made  radi- 
ant many  a  face,  and  gladdened  many  a  heart.  His 
beautiful  songs  have  been  sung  over  all  this  fair  land 
of  ours,  and  their  sweet  strains  still  echo  and  will  re- 


276    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

echo  clown  the  ages.  His  songs  have  been  sung  and 
are  sung  to-day  in  stately  cathedral,  village  church  and 
humble  cottage  home  with  equal  fervor,  pleasure  and 
profit.  Because  of  his  songs  many  a  church  is  richer 
in  grace  and  spirituality  ;  and  many  an  individual  has  a 
firmer  grasp  upon  God  and  His  promises,  and  upon 
purity  and  the  sweeter  and  better  things  of  life.  Many 
have  heard  in  these  gospel  songs  the  sweet  invitation 
of  Jesus,  and  turned  from  a  life  of  sin  to  find  peace 
and  the  Saviour's  pardoning  love.  Countless  throngs 
of  the  young  have  sung  Fillmore's  matchless  children's 
songs.  How  these  bright  and  beautiful  songs  for  the 
children  have  enriched  the  music  of  our  Sunday-schools 
and  gladdened  youthful  hearts  on  Children's  Day ! 
How  these  songs  have  thrilled  us  all  and  helped  us 
all  to  help  others ! 

Mr.  Fillmore  has  edited  and  published  two  church 
hymnals  that  compare  favorably  w^ith  the  best  in  the 
land.  His  musical  compositions  are  always  practical, 
singable,  and  most  of  them  possess  a  merit  that  gives 
them  long  life.  Some  of  his  most  popular  gospel  songs 
are  :  "I  am  Resolved,"  "  I  Know  that  My  Redeemer 
Liveth,"  "Tell  It  To-day,"  "Purer  in  Heart,"  "Only 
Waiting,"  "  Victory  Ours  Shall  Be,"  "  The  Victory 
May  Depend  on  You,"  "Going  Down  the  Valley," 
"  I've  Wandered  Oft,"  "  He  Stands  So  Near,"  or  "  He 
A\^aits  for  Thee,"  "  Would  You  Have  the  Joy  Bells?" 
"  Calling  Me  Over  the  Tide,"  "  No  More  Good-Byes," 
etc. 

''  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  bless  His  name  ;  show  forth  His 
salvation  from  day  to  day." 


FRED.   A.   FILLMORE. 


XLVI 

Fred.  A.  Fillmore 

FREDERICK  AUGUSTUS  FILLMORE,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  m  Paris,  111., 
May  15, 1856.  His  father,  A.  D.  Fillmore,  was 
a  preacher,  music  teacher,  composer  and  author  of  quite 
a  number  of  church  music  books.  He  had  a  voice  of 
wonderful  compass  and  sweetness,  and  as  an  effective 
gospel  singer  he  was  unequalled  in  his  day.  Mr.  Fred. 
Fillmore's  mother,  Hannah  Lock  wood  Fillmore,  pos- 
sessed rare  musical  talent,  and  a  sweet,  sympathetic 
voice. 

The  five  boys  and  two  girls  (all  living)  born  of  these 
richly  endowed  parents  became  heirs,  naturally  and 
abundantly,  to  this  great  talent.  And  from  their  birth 
to  maturity  they  were  reared  in  an  atmosphere  of 
music. 

The  family  moved  from  Paris,  111.,  to  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  when  Fred,  was  quite  young.  Later  his  father 
bought  a  small  farm  near  Terrace  Park,  a  beautiful 
suburb  of  Cincinnati,  where  he  moved  his  family. 
Fred,  was  always  a  great  lover  of  the  country  and  this 
change  from  city  to  country  life  proved  to  be  quite  a 
health  tonic  for  the  delicate  lad. 

His  early  struggles  in  life  were  parallel  with  many 
others  who  have  made  a  name  and  fame  for  themselves. 
A  great  calamity  to  him  and  the  family  was  the  death 
of  his  father,  a  few  years  after  moving  to  the  country. 

279 


280    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

This  left  the  mother  and  six  children  dependent  on  the 
eldest  brother,  J.  H.,  senior  member  and  founder  of 
The  Fillmore  Bros.  Co.,  music  publishers  of  Cincinnati 
and  New  York.  It  was  not  long  after  this,  however, 
until  Fred.  A.  was  able  to  help  support  himself  and  the 
younger  children  of  the  family  by  working  on  a  farm 
for  wages. 

He  attended  the  public  schools  in  the  country  where 
he  lived,  which  were  exceptionally  good.  About  this 
time  his  musical  talent  began  to  develop.  He  would 
spend  every  moment  of  spare  time  at  the  piano  or 
organ,  improvising,  picking  out  melodies  and  learning 
to  play  the  hymns  and  songs  of  the  church  and  Sunday- 
school. 

A  brass  band  was  organized  at  Milford,  a  town  about 
a  mile  from  his  home.  The  leader  asked  Fred,  to  join, 
which  he  did,  for  he  was  one  of  that  kind  of  boys  who 
would  at  any  time  run  a  mile  to  hear  a  band  play.  The 
leader  gave  him  some  instruction  and  a  band  book,  and 
he  practiced  so  diligently  that  within  a  week  he  could 
play  his  part  to  every  piece  on  the  tuba.  He  then 
practiced  the  baritone  and  soon  became  an  efficient 
soloist. 

Later  an  opportunity  presented  itself  to  him  for  enter- 
ing college,  Avhich  he  did,  and  worked  his  way  through 
school  by  teaching  vocal  music  in  the  college.  Here 
he  composed  his  first  song  which  was  sung  by  the  col- 
lege class  at  the  commencement  exercises.  There  being 
a  good  teacher  of  the  piano  in  the  school  he  took  a 
course  of  lessons,  and  put  in  every  moment  of  spare 
time  in  systematic  practice.  On  leaving  college  he 
spent  about  six  months  teaching  singing  classes  in  the 
country,  after  which  he  spent  some  time  in  the  study  of 


FRED.  A.  FILLMORE  281 

harmony  and  composition,  and  began  his  career  as  a 
composer  of  music.  Taking  the  field  again  as  singing 
class  teacher,  having  qualified  himself  as  a  teacher  of 
the  organ  and  piano  in  connection  with  the  singing 
class  work,  he  always  had  pupils  enough  to  keep  him 
busy.  In  teaching  over  a  wide  territory  in  the  states  of 
Ohio,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  Alabama,  Mis- 
souri and  Pennsylvania,  he  carried  with  him  energy, 
enthusiasm  and  a  high  moral  purpose  that  made  his 
work  everywhere  a  success.  This  practical  work  and 
learning  the  needs  of  the  people  induced  him  to  write 
his  first  book,  ''  Banner  of  Beauty,"  a  well  arranged 
book  for  singing  classes,  which  was  a  success  from  the 
start,  and  established  the  reputation  of  its  author. 

In  his  experience  as  a  teacher  of  the  piano  and  organ 
(the  organ  more  especially),  he  found  very  little  music 
especially  adapted  to  the  use  of  the  parlor  organ,  so  he 
conceived  the  idea  of  writing  music  to  meet  this 
demand. 

In  January,  1891,  The  Fillmore  Brothers  began  the 
publication  of  The  Musical  Messenger^  a  monthly 
journal  of  literature  and  music.  Fred.  A.  contributed 
to  this  magazine  easy  pieces  for  the  organ  and  piano, 
and  his  marches,  w^altzes,  etc.,  especially  those  adapted 
to  the  organ,  sprang  at  once  into  popular  favor.  To 
more  fully  meet  the  needs  and  demands  of  the  people, 
Mr.  Fillmore  prepared  "  The  New  Practical  Organ  In- 
structor." This  is  an  excellent  work  and  has  sold  by 
the  thousands. 

During  all  this  time  he  was  writing  gospel  and 
Sunday-school  songs.  His  songs  are  to  be  found  in  all 
the  leading  gospel  song  books  of  the  day.  Ilis  two 
books  for  the  Sunday-school,   "  Songs  of  Rejoicing " 


282    GOSPEL  SO]SG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

and  "  Heart  Songs,"  are  very  popular.  His  two  books 
of  anthems,  "Triumphant  Praise"  and  "Anthem 
Praise,"  also  show  that  Professor  Filhnore  is  an  excel- 
lent composer  of  this  class  of  music. 

As  has  already  been  stated,  he  is  a  great  lover  of  the 
country.  He  was  also  a  lover  of  the  country  girls,  and 
married  the  one  of  his  choice,  bought  the  old  home- 
stead, where  he  still  resides  happy  and  contented  with 
his  wife  and  interesting  family  of  two  boys  and  two 
girls. 

Here  during  the  long  winter  months  he  puts  in  the 
time  writing  anthems,  gospel  songs,  Sunday-school 
songs,  Easter  and  Christmas  exercises. 

Some  of  his  best  inspirations  came  from  farm  experi- 
ences, as  some  of  his  widely  known  popular  songs 
show — "  Are  You  Sowing  the  Seed  of  the  Kingdom  ?  " 
"  Scatter  Seeds  of  Loving  Deeds,"  "  Are  You  Sowing 
the  Seed  Over  Soil  Pvich  and  Fertile  ?  "  and  "  Hast  Thou 
Sown  the  Precious  Seed  ?  " 

Some  of  his  friends  call  him  "  the  farmer  musician," 
a  title  he  accepts  with  becoming  pride.  He  considers 
his  best  compositions  are  "Old  Home  Songs,"  a  med- 
ley, a  song  picturing  the  home  life,  and  a  reminiscence 
of  the  Fillmore  family,  and  "The  Bible  That  My 
Mother  Used  to  Read,"  a  solo  and  chorus,  which  is 
very  popular. 

He  is  an  active  worker  in  his  home  church,  and  his 
influence  is  ever  for  righteousness,  godliness  and  Chris- 
tian living. 


REV.  CHAS.  M.  FILLMORE. 


XLYII 
Rev.  Charles  M.  Fillmore 

THE  gentleman  that  we  now  present  is  one  of 
the  ministers  whose  career  is  worthy  of  the 
highest  commendation.  He  comes  from  a 
musical  family,  his  mother  being  considered  a  beautiful 
singer  in  her  day,  and  his  father,  Augustus  D.  Fillmore, 
was  a  pioneer  preacher,  musical  composer,  teacher  and 
publisher.  The  son  seems  to  have  inherited  his  father's 
most  striking  characteristics. 

Charles  Millard  Fillmore  was  born  in  Paris,  III, 
July  15,  1860.  He  began  the  study  of  music  in  his 
boyhood  days,  and  grew  up  in  a  musical  atmosphere. 
His  first  piano  teacher  was  the  veteran  Henry  D.  Sofge. 
He  graduated  from  the  Woodward  High  School  in 
1881.  While  a  pupil  in  this  school,  five  free  scholar- 
ships in  the  Cincinnati  College  of  Music  were  offered 
each  year  to  students  of  the  high  school  excelling  in 
competitive  examinations.  In  a  class  of  about  one 
hundred,  he  was  one  of  the  five  to  carry  off  the  honor, 
and  he  spent  a  year  in  this  great  music  school.  He 
then  taught  for  one  year  in  Bath  Seminary,  Owiugs- 
ville,  Ky.,  having  charge  of  the  music  and  literary 
branches.  Then  for  about  a  year  he  travelled  and 
taught  singing  classes  in  various  parts  of  the  country. 
In  order  to  gain  a  more  thorough  knowledge  of  music 
he  returned  to  Cincinnati,  and  continued  his  study  of 
piano,  harmony  and  composition,  under  the  celebrated 

285 


286    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

teacher,  Arthur  Mees.  Mr.  FiUmore  then  spent  some 
time  teaching,  leading  church  choirs,  conducting  choral 
societies,  writing  music,  contributing  articles  to  various 
magazines,  and  making  himself  useful  in  many  ways. 

Early  in  life  he  joined  the  Christian  Church,  and 
felt  an  inclination  towards  the  ministry,  and  with  this 
high  purpose  in  view  he  entered  Butler  College,  Irving- 
ton,  Ind.,  and  took  a  regular  classical  course  in  addition 
to  his  Biblical  work,  and  graduated  in  1890,  with  the 
degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  He  deserves  the  credit  of 
"  making  his  way  "  through  college  by  teaching  music, 
and  also  by  preaching  for  country  churches  around 
Indianapolis.  He  also  conducted  the  music  in  the 
chapel,  and  was  one  of  the  editors  of  the  Butler  Col- 
legian. 

Since  graduation  he  has  been  continuously  engaged 
in  Christian  work  in  various  parts  of  the  country.  He 
was  pastor  at  Lafayette,  Ind.,  two  years  ;  Shelbyville, 
one  year ;  State  Evangelist,  one  year ;  Ogden,  Utah,  as 
missionary  supply,  six  months  ;  Peru,  Ind.,  nearly  six 
years ;  Carthage,  Ohio,  eight  years.  At  present  he  is 
pastor  at  Hillside,  Indianapolis,  Ind.  Mr.  Fillmore  is 
meeting  with  excellent  success,  building  up  large  con- 
gregations, and  an  occasional  church  building. 

He  is  one  of  the  editors  of  Clean  Politics,  a  re- 
form paper  devoted  especially  to  national  Prohibition. 
The  circulation  is  already  nearing  the  100,000  mark. 
He  is  also  literary  editor  of  The  Choir.  He  had 
editorial  charge  of  The  Musical  Messenger  during 
the  six  years  it  was  published.  In  nearly  all  of  the 
leading  church  and  Sunday-school  books  may  be  found 
hymns  and  songs,  both  words  and  music  of  his  compo- 
sition. 


REV.  CHARLES  M.  FILLMORE  287 

When  Rev.  Chas.  M.  Fillmore  wrote  the  song, 
"  Tell  Mother  I'll  Be  There,"  he  seems  to  have  struck 
the  heart-strings  of  all  humanity,  which  have  vibrated 
around  the  world. 

Mr.  Chas.  M.  Alexander,  the  world-famous  singing 
evangelist,  says,  '^ '  Tell  Mother  I'll  Be  There  '  has  con- 
verted more  men  than  any  other  song  written  in  a  dec- 
ade. A  song  which  critics  have  tried  to  cut  to  pieces, 
both  words  and  music,  but  I  have  never  found  a  song 
which  would  take  its  place.  One  night  in  Liverpool 
while  the  choir  was  singing  'Tell  Mother  I'll  Be 
There,'  one  hundred  and  sixty  men  arose  and  publicly 
accepted  Christ  before  all  the  people." 

Every  man  and  woman  who  sings  or  hears  this  song 
instantly  recalls  the  home  of  childhood  and  that  one 
above  all  others  who  made  that  place — "  Home,  Sweet 
Home." 

Mr.  Fillmore  is  happily  married,  and  in  their  home 
they  have  three  daughters.  May  he  be  permitted  to 
live  long  and  write  many  more  inspiring  songs  that 
w411  lift  human  souls  to  God. 


MRS.   E.  L.  ASIIFORD. 


XL  VIII 

Mrs.  E.  L.  Ashford 

EMMA  LOUISE  ASHFORD  was  born  March 
27,  1850,  in  the  state  of  Delaware,  of  English 
parents.  Her  father  was  a  music  teacher,  and 
from  him  she  received  her  first  instruction.  Her 
mother  was  possessed  of  a  beautiful  soprano  voice. 
Emma  could  sing  from  childhood,  even  before  she 
could  speak  plainly.  Music  was  a  part  and  parcel  of 
her  home  life.  When  she  was  three  years  of  age  she 
sang  a  solo  at  a  charity  concert.  At  the  age  of  five 
she  began  to  extemporize  altos  to  the  songs  and  hymns 
her  mother  sang  ;  and  then  sang  trios  with  her  parents. 
Her  father  gave  her  short  lessons  daily  in  sight  reading, 
and  at  the  end  of  six  months  she  was  able  to  sing  cor- 
rectly the  alto  parts  of  hymns  and  anthems  without 
the  aid  of  an  instrument.  At  the  age  of  eight  years 
she  was  admitted  into  the  village  church  choir,  and 
also  the  glee  club  as  alto,  and  was  acknowledged  to  be 
the  best  sight  reader  in  the  choir  or  club.  Her  father 
was  director  of  both  organizations. 

When  she  was  ten  years  old  a  guitar  was  presented 
to  her,  which  afforded  her  great  joy.  In  a  few  weeks 
she  could  play  the  accompaniments  to  the  songs  she 
sang.  By  this  time  she  was  a  good  performer  on  the 
piano  and  organ. 

When  fourteen  yeaivs  of  age,  she  moved  with  her 

289 


290    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  ^YKITERS 

parents  to  Plymouth,  Mass.  Here  her  guitar  playing 
created  quite  an  interest;  and  she  taught  a  class  of 
young  ladies,  and  also  sang  in  a  choir.  The  following 
year  they  moved  to  Seymour,  Conn.  Here  she  was  of- 
fered the  position  as  organist  in  St.  Peter's  (Episcopal) 
Church.  This  was  her  first  experience  in  playing  the 
pipe  organ,  and  after  a  year's  service  resigned  to  take 
a  larger  organ  at  an  advanced  salary.  While  in  Sey- 
mour she  studied  the  piano  with  Mrs.  Street,  and  the 
pipe  organ  with  the  late  Dr.  Anderson. 

When  a  little  past  seventeen,  she  was  married  to 
Mr.  John  Ashford.  (Her  maiden  name  was  Hindle.) 
Mr.  Ashford  had  a  fine  tenor  voice,  which  greatly  as- 
sisted him  in  capturing  his  prize.  Soon  after  their  mar- 
riage they  went  to  Chicago,  w^here  she  had  the  honor 
of  holding  the  position  of  alto  in  the  quartet  of  St. 
James  (Episcopal)  Church,  the  organist  and  director  at 
that  time  being  the  late  Dudley  Buck,  Avho  gave  her 
the  preference  over  tw^enty-seven  other  applicants.  To 
be  associated  week  after  week  with  such  a  great  musi- 
cian as  Professor  Buck  was  in  itself  a  liberal  educa- 
tion ;  and  from  a  musical  standpoint,  Mrs.  Ashford 
considers  this  to  have  been  the  most  important  year 
of  her  life.  At  the  close  of  the  year  her  husband  ac- 
cepted a  position  in  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  which  city 
they  still  reside. 

Mrs.  Ashford  and  her  husband  were  associated  to- 
gether in  choir  work  for  many  years.  For  ten  years 
they  had  charge  of  the  music  in  a  Presbyterian  Church 
and  the  Jewish  Temple  simultaneously.  On  account  of 
failing  health  she  finally  gave  up  choir  work.  Mrs. 
Ashford  taught  piano  and  organ  for  twenty  years  ;  but 
also  gave  that  up  in  order  to  spend  all  of  her  time  in 


MRS.  E.  L.  ASHFORD  291 

musical  composition ;  in  this,  as  well  as  her  choir  work 
and  teaching,  she  has  been  eminently  successful.  Mrs. 
Ashford  studied  advanced  harmony,  counterpoint, 
canon  and  fugue,  with  Dr.  R.  H.  Peters,  an  English 
musician,  and  also  with  other  teachers. 

Her  tirst  work  of  importance  in  the  line  of  composi- 
tion was  seventeen  anthems  which  she  contributed  to 
E.  O.  Excell's  book  of  anthems.  Calls  came  from 
other  publishers,  and  she  was  soon  kept  busy. 

In  1894  she  visited  Europe,  where  she  devoted  the 
greater  part  of  lier  time  studying  the  higher  forms  of 
ecclesiastical  music.  On  her  return  she  began  w^ritiug 
for  Mr.  Lorenz,  and  won  the  first  prize  in  an  anthem 
contest  which  he  conducted.  At  the  suggestion  of 
Mr.  Lorenz,  she  wrote  her  first  sacred  cantata,  "  The 
Prince  of  Peace."  She  made  another  visit  abroad  in 
1S9T,  and  again  in  1904.  These  visits  were  principally 
to  view  the  wonders  of  the  old  world,  and  listen  to  its 
fine  church  music. 

In  1900  the  Yanderbilt  University  celebrated  its 
twenty-fifth  anniversary  ;  and  for  tiiis  occasion  Mrs. 
Ashford  was  asked  to  compose  an  Ode,  which  was  ren- 
dered by  a  chorus  of  eighty  voices  and  an  orchestra  of 
twenty-five  performers.  Slie  has  written  quite  a  num- 
ber of  songs  for  tlie  university  glee  club ;  and  in 
recognition  of  this  work  she  was  presented  a  beautiful 
cup,  suitably  engraved. 

Several  years  ago  Mrs.  Ashford  became  connected 
with  The  Lorenz  PubUshing  Company,  of  Dayton,  Ohio. 
Siie  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  her  appreciation  of 
the  unvarying  kindness  and  encouragement  which 
said  company  have  given  her  in  her  musical  work. 
She  is  also  thankful  for  her  many  other  loyal  and  ap- 


292    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

preciative  coterie  of  friends,  both  men  and  women  of 
larfife  mind  and  broad  culture  who  have  ever  stood 
ready  to  help  her  with  words  of  wisdom  and  encour- 
agement. 

Mrs.  Ashford  is  a  very  prolific  writer,  and  her  com- 
positions rank  with  the  best  in  their  line.  The  follow- 
ing is  a  partial  list  of  her  published  works  :  Two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  anthems ;  fifty  sacred  solos.;  ten  sa- 
cred duets ;  six  sacred  trios  ;  eight  sacred  cantatas  ; 
two  hundred  organ  voluntaries  ;  "  Ashford's  Organ 
Instructor  "  (in  five  volumes) ;  a  large  number  of  gos- 
pel songs ;  also  two  secular  cantatas  ;  a  number  of  part- 
songs  ;  forty  teaching  pieces  for  piano,  and  a  number 
of  secular  solos.  Much  of  her  music  is  republished  in 
England,  and  a  Song  Cycle  called  "  Destiny  "  has  re- 
cently been  published  in  Germany. 

May  Mrs.  Ashford  be  permitted  to  live  long  and 
continue  to  contribute  of  her  musical  genius  to  the 
world,  and  to  His  glory. 


DR.   D.    B.   TOWNER. 


XLIX 
Dr.  D.  Brink  Towner 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Daniel  B.  Towner, 
was  born  March  5,  1850,  at  Rome,  Pa., 
where  he  was  reared,  and  received  an 
academic  education.  His  father.  Prof.  J.  G.  Towner, 
w^as  a  singer  and  a  music  teacher  of  quite  a  reputation, 
and  it  was  from  him  that  the  son  received  his  early 
musical  training. 

At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  was  exploited  through 
Pennsylvania,  southern  New  York  and  eastern  Ohio 
as  "  the  wonderful  boy  bass,"  appearing  in  many  con- 
certs where  he  sang  the  populai'  bass  solos  of  the  day, 
such  as  "  Rocked  in  the  Cradle  of  the  Deep,"  "  The 
Old  Sexton,"  "  Down  by  the  Sea,"  "  The  King  and  the 
Miller,"  etc.,  etc.  A  few  years  later  he  began  to  teach 
vocal  music  and  conduct  musical  institutes  and  conven- 
tions. He  also  gained  quite  a  reputation  as  an  oratorio 
baritone  soloist.  During  the  years  that  he  was  thus 
engaged  he  was  studying  music  with  such  men  as  John 
Howard,  of  New  York,  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Root,  of  Chicago, 
Geo.  Jas.  Webb,  of  Boston,  and  others. 

From  his  early  youth  he  had  dreams  of  some  day 
being  a  composer  and  began  to  write  songs  and  an- 
thems even  before  he  had  studied  harmony.  Like 
many  of  our  modern  gospel  song  writers  he  began  by 
writing  secular  songs,  some  humorous,  and  some  senti- 

295 


296    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

mental.  But  as  he  became  more  actively  engaged  in 
the  conducting  of  church  music,  these  gave  way  for  the 
gospel  songs  which  have  made  him  so  widely  known. 

In  December,  1870,  Mr.  Towner  Avas  married  to  Miss 
Mary  E.  McGonigle,  who  was  a  beautiful  singer,  and 
they  soon  settled  in  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  where  he  had 
charge  of  the  music  in  the  Centenary  M.  E.  Church. 
During  these  years  he  was  an  ardent  student  and  con- 
ducted many  musical  institutes  and  conventions  in  con- 
nection with  his  church  work. 

In  the  fall  of  1882  he  located  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
where  for  two  years  he  had  charge  of  the  music  in  the 
York  Street  M.  E.  Church.  He  was  then  called  to  the 
Union  M.  E.  Church  of  Covington,  Ky.,  where  he  re- 
mained until  the  fall  of  1885,  when  he  joined  Dwight 
L.  Moody  in  evangelistic  work,  conducting  the  music 
and  singing  solos  in  that  connection  in  most  of  the 
large  cities  of  the  United  States  and  Canada.  He  also 
had  charge  of  the  music  for  several  years  at  the  Col- 
lege Students'  Conference  at  Mount  Hermon  and 
Northfield,  Mass.  In  the  fall  of  1893  he  assumed  the 
superintendency  of  the  music  in  the  Moody  Bible  In- 
stitute, Chicago,  where  by  his  ability  as  an  organizer 
and  teacher  he  has  succeeded  in  establishing  one  of  the 
most  unique  and  prosperous  training  schools  for  gospel 
singers  in  the  world.  It  can  be  confidently  said  that 
most  of  the  noted  gospel  singers  of  the  present  day 
have  either  been  trained  by,  or  have  had  personal  con- 
tact with,  Dr.  Towner. 

In  September,  1900,  the  degree  of  Music  Doctor  was 
conferred  upon  him  by  the  University  of  Tennessee. 
Dr.  Towner  is  one  among  the  world's  most  prolific  gos- 
pel song  writers.     He  has  published  more  than  two 


DR.  D.  BRINK  TOWNER  297 

thousand  compositions,  and  this  only  represents  a  part 
of  his  work  as  a  musical  composer.  He  has  edited  in 
part,  or  wholly,  fourteen  books,  three  of  which  have 
been  for  male  voices  and  one  for  female  voices. 

His  songs  have  literally  belted  the  world,  and  are  to 
be  found  in  most  of  the  hymn  and  tune  books  both  in 
America  and  the  British  Empire.  In  more  recent 
years  he  has  spent  considerable  time  in  Great  Britain 
in  connection  with  large  evangelistic  meetings  and 
prominent  churches  in  London,  Manchester,  Dublin, 
Belfast,  Dundee,  and  Edinburgh. 

Dr.  Towner  is  also  by  common  consent  one  of  the 
greatest  evangelistic  singers  and  leaders  living.  His 
ability  to  lead  a  great  chorus  and  congregation  is  un- 
surpassed, while  as  a  teacher  of  gospel  songs  and  com- 
poser he  stands  in  the  front  rank. 

The  following  are  a  few  of  his  most  popular  compo- 
sitions :  ''  Anywhere  With  Jesus,"  "•  Trust  and  Obey," 
"Paul  and  Silas,"  "Redeemed,"  "Nor  Silver  Nor 
Gold,"  "Saving  Grace,"  "The  Hand  that  Was 
Wounded  for  Me,"  "Full  Surrender,"  "Would  You 
Believe,"  "  Only  a  Sinner,"  "  Victory  in  My  Soul," 
"Look  and  Live,"  "God's  Skies  are  Blue,"  "Grace 
that  is  Greater  Than  Our  Sin,"  "  Love  Took  Him  to 
the  Cross,"  etc. 

Dr.  Towner  has  accomplished  a  great  work  for  God 
and  humanity,  and  we  hope  he  may  be  spared  for 
many  more  years  of  usefulness. 


E.    O.    EXCELL. 


L 
E.  O.  Excell 

ALL  of  the  noted  evangelists  have  perceived  the 
great  power  of  music  upon  the  hearts  of  men 
and  women  to  move  them  to  action,  to  fill 
them  with  enthusiastic  zeal  for  truth  and  holiness. 
Therefore  they  conceived  the  idea  of  making  a  specialty 
of  sacred  song,  and  thus  began  the  distinctive  work  of 
the  evangelistic  singer.  Hymns  and  music  that  are 
full  of  gospel  truth  and  sentiment,  and  sung  "  with  the 
spirit  and  understanding,"  wield  a  powerful  influence 
for  good  over  humanity  and  are  sure  to  make  their 
impress. 

What  would  Moody  have  been  without  Sankey, 
Whittle  without  Bliss,  Jones  without  Excell,  Torrey 
and  Chapman  without  Alexander,  or  any  other  one  of 
the  popular  evangelists  of  the  day  without  his  singing 
companion  ?  Certainly  they  would  have  exerted  some 
influence,  but  they  all  freely  concede  that  much  of  the 
success  of  their  work  was  and  is  due  to  the  influence  of 
gospel  song  as  directed  and  interpreted  by  their  singing 
companions.  Perhaps  there  is  no  one  better  known 
and  more  popular  as  an  evangelistic  singer  and  gospel 
song  composer,  than  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Edwin 
Othello  Excell.  He  Avas  born  in  Stark  County,  Ohio, 
December  13,  1851.  His  father,  Rev.  J.  J.  Excell,  has 
been  a  good  singer  in  his  day  and  is  a  minister  in  the 
German   Reformed   church.      The  son  served  his  ap- 

299 


300    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

prenticeship  and  worked  as  plasterer  and  bricklayer  for 
twelve  years. 

In  1871  Mr.  Excell  began  teaching  country  singing 
schools,  in  which  he  was  quite  successful.  This  year 
was  also  made  memorable  by  his  marriage  to  Miss 
Jennie  Bell,  daughter  of  Hon.  A.  W.  Bell,  of  East 
Brady,  Pa.  For  a  time  Mr.  Excell  resided  in  East 
Brady,  and  had  been  engaged  in  singing  campaign 
songs  in  not  only  the  interest  of  the  great  general, 
U.  S.  Grant,  but  of  his  father-in-law  who  was  also  a 
candidate.  About  this  time  Rev.  Dr.  J.  B.  Espy,  of 
East  Brady  M.  E.  Church,  began  a  revival  meeting  and 
solicited  the  services  of  Mr.  Excell  to  conduct  the  music. 
He  responded  to  the  call  and  under  his  leadership  and 
stirring  solos  a  great  revival  followed,  Mr.  Excell  him- 
self being  one  of  the  many  converts.  From  this  time 
on  he  devoted  his  energies  to  sacred  song,  and  to  more 
thoroughly  equip  himself  for  his  chosen  field  of  labor, 
he  attended  Dr.  Root's  normals  in  the  years  1S77-1SS3 
inclusive,  taking  special  voice  training  under  Prof.  F. 
W.  Root. 

In  18 SI  he  was  called  to  take  charge  of  the  choir  at 
the  First  Methodist  Church  of  Oil  City,  Pa.,  where  he 
won  new  laurels,  and  remained  there  for  a  term  of  two 
years.  In  1883  he  moved  to  Chicago,  where  he  still 
resides.  Here  he  met  Mr.  B.  F.  Jacobs,  the  father  and 
promoter  of  Sunday-school  work.  He  and  Bishop 
Vincent,  of  the  Northern  Methodist  church,  were  the 
founders  of  the  international  Sunday-school  lessons. 
For  two  years  or  more,  Mr.  Excell  had  charge  of  the 
music  in  the  great  Sunday-school  work  of  Messrs.  B.  F. 
and  W.  B.  Jacobs. 

He  then  met  Rev.  Sam  P.  Jones,  and  in  association 


E.  O.  EXCELL  301 

with  him  he  worked  for  twenty  years  in  all  of  his 
revival  meetings.  He  was  with  him  in  the  last  meeting 
he  ever  held,  which  was  in  Oklahoma  City.  In  their 
labors  they  toured  America,  and  were  eminently  suc- 
cessful. The  great  amount  of  good  accomplished  in 
the  evangelistic  field  by  these  two  men  will  never  be 
fully  known  this  side  of  eternity. 

Mr.  Excell  has  conducted  the  music  in  the  State 
Sunday-school  Conventions  in  nearly  every  state  and 
territory  in  the  United  States,  also  in  many  of  the 
provinces  of  Canada.  He  has  toured  across  the  con- 
tinent twice  with  Mr.  Marion  Lawrence,  General 
Secretary  of  the  International  Sunday-school  Associa- 
tion. He  has  also  been  associated  in  Sunday-school 
work  with  Kev,  F.  B.  Meyer,  the  great  London  preacher. 
Dr.  Geo.  W.  Bailey,  Bishop  J.  C.  Hartzell,  and  many 
others  of  world-wide  fame.  Besides  this,  he  has  directed 
the  music  in  many  of  the  Chautauquas  in  various  parts 
of  the  country,  and  his  efforts  have  been  crowned  with 
success. 

Professor  Excell's  fame  does  not  rest  entirely  upon  his 
work  in  the  evangelistic  field.  His  beautiful  gospel 
songs  alone  would  have  made  him  famous.  He  has 
composed  between  two  and  three  thousand  songs.  A 
few  well  known  favorites  are :  ''  Since  I  Have  Been 
Eedeemed,"  "God  Calling  Yet,"  "We  Shall  Stand 
Before  the  King,"  "  Let  Him  In,"  "  Scatter  Sunshine," 
"Count  Your  Blessings,"  "I  Am  Happy  in  Him,"  etc. 

Then,  too,  he  carries  on  quite  an  extensive  publishing 
business  in  Chicago,  and  has  been  very  successful  as  a 
business  man  as  well  as  a  singer  and  author.  Professor 
Excell  has  edited  nearly  fifty  books  for  himself,  and 
thirty -eight  for  other  parties. 


302    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

The  great  popularity  of  his  books  is  evidenced  by  the 
fact  that,  up  to  date,  his  gospel  song  and  anthem  books 
have  reached  the  enormous  sale  of  nearly  ten  million 
copies  ;  and  he  is  now  selling  from  one  and  a  quarter 
million  to  one  and  a  half  million  books  annually,  and 
his  book  sales  increase  from  year  to  year.  Professor 
Excell  is  a  very  busy  man  and  he  has  achieved  great 
success  in  his  chosen  work. 

His  voice  is  a  full,  round  baritone,  of  great  volume, 
yet  mellow  and  sweet.  He  sings  with  excellent  taste 
and  expression,  and  so  has  a  moving  influence  over  an 
audience,  w4iich  is  so  essential  to  a  successful  evangel- 
istic singer.  He  is  yet  in  the  vigor  of  manhood,  and 
with  his  perfect  health  gives  promise  of  living  many 
years  to  bless  the  world  with  numerous  compositions, 
and  lead  many  souls  to  a  decision  for  Christ  and  His 
service  by  the  magnetic  power  of  his  matchless  voice. 

"Sing  forth  the  honor  of  His  name  ;  make  His  praise 
glorious." 


MRS.  FLORA  II.  CASSEL. 


LI 

Mrs.  Flora  H.  Cassel 

WHEREYEK  gospel  and  temperance  songs  are 
sung  the  name  of  Mrs.  Flora  Hamilton  Cassel 
is  a  familiar  one.  She  was  born  at  Otterville, 
Jersey  County,  111.,  August  21,  1852.  (Her  maiden 
name  was  Hamilton.)  Most  of  her  childhood  was 
passed  at  Whitehall,  111.,  where  her  father.  Rev.  B.  B. 
Hamilton,  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church.  She  was 
quite  musical  from  childhood,  and  could  sing  and  play 
her  own  accompaniments  when  but  a  small  girl. 

"When  sixteen  years  of  age,  she  went  to  live  with  her 
mother's  sister,  Mrs.  Titcomb,  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
Here  she  continued  her  school  work,  and  took  lessons 
in  voice  culture  of  Madame  Hartell,  of  New  York  City. 
Later  her  aunt  sent  her  to  Maplewood  Institute,  at 
Pittsfield,  Mass.,  where  she  studied  the  piano,  harmony 
and  composition  under  Dr.  B.  C.  Blodgett,  and  the 
voice  under  Prof.  J.  I.  Lalor,  taking  also  some  of  the 
academic  branches  of  the  school.  Graduating  from  the 
musical  department  in  1873,  she  was  engaged  the  next 
fall  to  teach,  and  take  charge  of  the  department  of 
music,  in  Shurtleff  College,  Upper  Alton,  111.  While 
here  she  was  married  to  Dr.  E.  T.  Cassel,  of  Nebraska 
City,  Neb.  Mrs.  Cassel  continued  teaching  in  the  col- 
lege for  a  year  or  more.  They  then  moved  to  Ne- 
braska. While  in  that  state.  Dr.  Cassel  practiced 
medicine  in  South  Bend,  Ashland,  Edgar,  and  Hast- 

305 


306    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

ings ;  and  -  in  all  these  places  Mrs.  Cassel  continued 
teaching,  writing  music  and  playing  for  the  church 
choirs  which  her  husband  led. 

It  was  while  in  Edgar  that  a  Woman's  Christian 
Temperance  Union  was  organized  with  Mrs.  Cassel  at 
its  head,  and  for  many  years  the  organization  had  her 
heartiest  support.  She  organized  her  county,  making 
it  the  banner  county  in  the  state,  and  was  the  first 
one  in  the  organization  to  hold  County  W.  C.  T.  U. 
Institutes. 

During  this  period  of  public  work  she  felt  the  need 
of  special  songs  for  temperance  meetings,  and  this  need 
gave  birth  to  her  song  book,  "  White  Ribbon  Vibra- 
tions," which  was  published  in  1890.  The  book  be- 
came very  popular ;  passed  through  many  editions,  and 
following  the  organization  for  which  it  was  made,  in 
every  country  in  the  world.  Its  initial  song,  Mrs.  Cas- 
sel's  words  and  music,  now  best  known  as  "  Around 
the  World,"  was  Frances  Willard's  favorite  song.  She 
made  it  the  world's  W.  C.  T.  U.  song,  and  had  it  sung 
at  all  her  great  meetings. 

Soon  after  this  publication,  E.  O.  Excell,  E.  S.  Lorenz, 
and  others  began  publishing  Mrs.  Cassel's  gospel  songs, 
a  number  of  which  have  become  very  popular. 

AVhen  the  first  convention  of  the  Baptist  Young  Peo- 
ple's Union  was  to  be  held,  the  president  of  the  State 
Union  asked  Mrs.  Cassel  to  write  a  song  for  the  occa- 
sion. Dr.  Cassel  took  their  motto  for  his  theme,  and 
wrote  "  Loyalty  to  Christ,"  and  Mrs.  Cassel  wrote  music 
for  the  hymn.  It  sprang  into  popularit}^  at  once,  and  be- 
came the  National  Christian  Endeavor  Song,  and  was 
also  sung  by  the  EpAVorth  Leagues. 

While  Dr.  Cassel  was  listening  to  a  sermon  about  a 


MRS.  FLORA  H.  CASSEL  307 

king's  messenger,  he  took  a  card  and  wrote  down  the 
words  of  "  The  King's  Business."  Later  a  melody  oc- 
curred to  him  as  appropriate,  and  Mrs.  Cassel  arranged 
and  harmonized  it ;  thus  the  popular  song,  "  The  King's 
Business,"  was  given  to  the  world. 

In  1893,  Mrs.  Cassel  took  advantage  of  an  opening 
to  go  into  the  piano  and  organ  business  and  continued 
in  this  steadily  increasing  business  for  nearly  ten  years. 
They  then  moved  to  Colorado,  and  purchased  a  farm 
near  Denver — a  deliD:htful  home  with  a  mao^nificent 
view  of  mountain,  plain  and  city.  Mrs.  Cassel  has  the 
oversight  of  her  home  interests.  With  her  books  and 
music,  and  composing  beautiful  gospel  songs  to  further 
"  the  King's  Business,"  she  is  one  of  the  busiest  and 
happiest  women  in  the  state  of  Colorado. 


DR.   J.   B.   HERBERT. 


LII 

Dr.  J.  B.  Herbert 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  John  Banyan  Her- 
bert, was  born  at  Cambridge,  Ohio,  September 
14r,  1852.  The  next  year  his  parents  moved 
to  Monmouth,  111.,  where  he  still  resides.  He  early 
manifested  an  intense  love  for  music  and  at  the  age  of 
fourteen  he  bought  a  book  on  harmony,  and  with  lofty 
aspirations  bravely  set  to  work  to  master  it,  all  by  him- 
self, giving  every  spare  moment  to  its  study.  And 
from  that  day  to  this  his  devotion  to  his  art  has  brooked 
every  obstacle,  and  his  perseverance  has  brought  him 
to  his  coveted  position  in  life — that  of  a  professional 
music  writer. 

He  took  a  full  literary  course  at  the  Monmouth  Col- 
lege, and  enjoys  the  distinction  of  being  its  first  gradu- 
ate. After  his  graduation,  his  father,  ignoring  his 
musical  tastes  and  preferences,  chose  for  him  the  med- 
ical profession,  and  sent  him  to  the  Hahnemann  Medical 
College,  at  Chicago.  But  while  there  he  continued  his 
musical  studies,  and  sang  regularly  in  one  of  the 
church  choirs.  After  three  years  at  the  medical  col- 
lege, he  returned  to  Monmouth  an  M.  D.,  and  practiced 
the  profession  successfully  for  several  years,  still  por- 
ing over  his  music  books,  however,  when  not  responding 
to  medical  calls.  He  did  not  despise  the  medical  pro- 
fession, but  he  loved  music  more,  and  could  not  forsake 
it.     In  all  these  years  he  did  not  let  a  day  pass  without 

309 


310    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  AVKITERS 

carefully  writing  one  or  more  exercises  in  composition 
and  harmony. 

He  toiled  without  the  aid  of  an  instructor,  or  even 
any  one  to  sympathize  with  him  or  give  him  an  en- 
couraging word.  But  it  shows  his  devotion  to  the  art 
and  the  stuff  he  was  made  of,  and  as  a  result  of  this 
pluck  and  perseverance,  he  has  developed  within  him- 
self a  mastery  of  the  science  that  is  enjoyed  only  by 
the  few.  His  first  encouragement  came  to  him  in  the 
form  of  finding  one  of  his  songs  printed,  without  the 
change  of  a  note,  in  one  of  lamented  Bliss'  books, 
which  he  had  modestly  sent  "  to  be  published  if  found 
worthy." 

In  1875  the  light  broke  in  fully  upon  him.  Dr. 
Geo.  F.  Root  and  his  son.  Prof.  Frederic  W.,  held  a 
normal  in  Monmouth,  and  our  friend  embraced  the 
opportunity  for  all  there  was  in  it,  especially  the  har- 
mony and  composition  course  taught  by  Prof.  F.  W. 
A  strong  and  lasting  friendship  sprang  up  between 
them,  and,  after  the  normal  closed,  harmony  lessons 
were  continued  by  mail.  The  Doctor  holds  these  great 
men  in  grateful  remembrance  for  the  good  instruction 
received  from  them.  He  also  studied  with  P.  P.  Bliss 
and  others.  His  close  and  systematic  study  ultimately 
led  him  to  victory. 

His  first  published  work  was  "Chapel  Anthems," 
which  appeared  in  1878.  During  this  year  he  discon- 
tinued his  medical  practice  altogether,  and  deteiunined 
to  give  his  entire  attention  to  music.  The  next  year 
he  travelled  with  IMr.  J.  C.  Boutecue,  a  popular  temper- 
ance lecturer,  singing  and  conducting  the  singing  for 
the  meetings.  While  in  this  work  he  wrote  a  book  of 
temperance    songs.     Also    about  this   time   his   book. 


DR.  J.  B.  HERBERT  311 

"Herbert's  Male  Quartet  Book,"  was  issued.  Then 
followed  his  class  and  convention  book,  "  The  Elite." 
Among  the  many  books  that  followed  we  mention : 
"  Bible  x\nthems,"  "  Class  and  Concert,"  "  Herbert's 
Anthems,"  "  The  Battle  Cry,"  "  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Gospel 
Songs,"  "  Quaint  Quartets,"  "  Harp  of  David,"  "  Christ- 
mas Anthem  Collection,"  "  Easter  Anthem  Collection," 
"  Tabernacle  Anthems,"  "  Quartet  Queen,"  "  Herbert's 
Organ  Voluntaries,"  "  Glory  Songs,  New  Gospel  Hymn 
Book,"  "  Voice  Culture  in  Classes,"  "  Class,  Concert  and 
Convention,"  etc.  "  Herbert's  Harmony  and  Composi- 
tion "  and  "  How  to  Write  an  Accompaniment "  are 
among  the  best  theory  works  of  their  class,  being  clear 
and  practical.  The  last  named  book  has  received  many 
words  of  praise  from  both  foreign  and  American  mu- 
sicians. Sir  Frederic  Bridge,  organist  of  Westmin- 
ster Abbey,  England,  spoke  a  good  word  for  the 
work.  Dr.  Percy  Goetschius,  Dr.  Emerson,  Dr.  Per- 
kins and  other  American  musicians  have  endorsed  it. 
Dr.  Herbert  has  other  important  musical  works  in 
preparation. 

He  is  also  in  high  favor  as  a  singer  and  performer, 
a  teacher,  and  a  leader  of  conventions  ;  he  has  also  had 
much  experience  as  organist  and  choir  leader.  How- 
ever, he  much  prefers  the  more  congenial  work  of  mu- 
sical composition  in  the  quiet  of  his  pleasant  home. 
A  musical  critic,  who  is  himself  a  composer  of  note, 
says :  "  The  marked  characteristic  of  all  Dr.  Herbert's 
music  is  its  individuality."  All  his  compositions  show 
artistic  design,  and  the  details  are  all  worked  out  with 
an  elegance  and  finish  that  only  masters  of  art  can 
command.  Many  of  his  anthems,  quartets  and  gospel 
songs  are  models  of  workmanship. 


312    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Dr.  Herbert's  musical  works  have  good  and  steady 
sales  and  the  royalties  bring  him  a  handsome  income. 
He  does  but  little  or  no  teaching  now,  except  he  holds 
winter  normals  in  the  South.  In  this  work  he  is  doing 
great  good  for  the  cause  of  musical  development,  and 
his  work  is  highly  appreciated  by  those  who  have  been 
in  his  theory  and  voice  classes. 

Dr.  Herbert  is  a  very  modest  and  reserved  gentle- 
man. In  society  liis  sparkling  wit  and  rare  conversa- 
tional powers  make  him  a  universal  favorite.  We 
hope  he  may  live  long  and  give  to  the  world  more  of 
the  rich  gospel  in  song. 


MRS.    LAURA  E.   NEWELL. 


LIII 

Mrs.  Laura  E.  Newell 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  February 
5,  1854,  at  New  Marlborough,  near  Great 
Barrington,  Mass.,  where  her  parents,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Edward  A.  Pixley,  resided,  and  where  her 
mother  died,  leaving  her  a  child  in  early  infancy.  A 
few  months  later  her  mother's  aunt,  then  Mrs.  Hiram 
Mabie,  of  Kew  York,  came  to  Massachusetts,  and  took 
the  child  home  with  her,  and  adopted  her.  She  was  a 
most  faithful  and  devoted  mother  to  her  to  the  day  of 
her  death,  which  occurred  in  1895,  at  her  home  in 
Zeandale,  Kans. 

"When  Laura  was  four  years  old,  her  foster  parents 
removed  to  Kansas,  and  located  south  of  the  site  on 
which  Wamego  now  stands,  and  where  Mr.  Mabie  en- 
gaged in  farming.  Tw^o  years  later  he  died  and  her 
mother,  who  had  been  a  very  successful  teacher  in  Xew 
York,  resumed  the  work  of  teaching ;  however,  under 
quite  different  conditions  from  her  Eastern  environments. 
There  her  schools  were  more  advanced.  But  suffice  it 
to  say,  her  work  was  always  w^ell  done,  and  "  She  hath 
done  what  she  could  "  was  the  inscription  her  daughter 
had  engraved  on  the  granite  that  marks  her  resting  place. 
In  1860  Mrs.  Mabie  accepted  a  position  in  the  city 
schools  of  Topeka,  where  she  taught  many  years,  and 
under  her  tutorship  then  and  hiter  the  daughter  re- 
ceived her  education  and  training. 

315 


316    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

When  a  child  of  twelve  years  she  wrote  rhymes, 
spontaneously,  we  might  say,  and  two  years  later  her 
poems  began  to  appear  in  the  local  newspapers.  Still 
at  that  time  no  thought  of  a  life-work  with  her  pen 
dawned  upon  her  mind.  She  simply  wrote  to  give 
vent  to  her  poetical  mind,  and  as  the  years  rolled  by 
she  kept  on  writing  and  gaining  fame. 

In  1871  she  Avas  married  to  Mr.  Lauren  Ne^vell,  a 
carpenter  by  trade.     They  reside  at  Manhattan,  Kans. 

It  was  in  1873  while  Mrs.  Newell  was  listening  to 
an  address  by  an  able  speaker,  who  spoke  of  the  death 
of  genuine  hymns,  that  she  resolved  to  try,  and  to  test 
the  merit,  or  de-merit  of  her  ability  in  this  line  of 
work.  Since  that  time  her  pen  has  been  kept  busy 
writing  songs,  sacred  and  secular,  services  for  all  anni- 
versary occasions,  cantatas,  adapting  words  to  music, 
and  music  to  words.  The  orders  have  not  ceased  to 
keep  her  busy  in  filling  them.  Some  of  her  poems 
have  been  translated  into  other  languages.  "  What 
Will  Your  Record  Be  ?  "  set  to  music  by  C.  E.  Leslie 
some  twenty  years  ago,  has  long  since  appeared  in 
many  German  publications  both  in  this  country  and 
across  the  water. 

Perhaps  the  most  popular  secular  song  (both  words 
and  music  by  Mrs.  Newell)  is  "Across  the  Years," 
published  in  sheet  form.  Many  other  songs  of  hers 
are  in  sheet  form.  Calls  from  all  parts  of  our  land 
come  to  Mrs.  Newell  for  poems,  and  she  has  been 
honored  with  orders  from  our  very  best  composers, 
among  which  are :  Dr.  L.  O.  Emerson,  Bartlett,  Ogden, 
Herbert,  Gabriel,  Fillmore  Bros.,  Parks,  Hall,  Leslie, 
Rosche,  Lincoln,  Westhoff,  and  scores  of  others. 

Mrs.  Newell  is  indeed  a  prolific  writer.     Her  poems 


MRS.  LAURA  E.  NEWELL  317 

number  in  the  thousands.  She  has  had  over  eight  hun- 
dred poems  published  in  a  single  year,  a  most  remark- 
able record.  The  great  ease  with  which  Mrs.  Newell 
writes  is  one  of  her  special  gifts.  Not  long  since  an 
order,  accompanied  by  music  and  titles,  was  sent  her 
for  eight  poems  to  suit.  At  seven  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing she  sat  down  to  her  organ  to  catch  the  music. 
Then  she  went  to  her  desk,  and  at  ten  o'clock  the  order 
was  ready  for  the  return  mail.  Her  work  pleased  the 
publisher  so  well  that  he  sent  her  an  order  for  forty- 
eight  additional  poems.  Mrs.  Newell  writes  several 
hundred  poems  annually. 

She  is  a  very  modest  and  unpretentious  lady,  and 
goes  about  her  daily  work  as  cheerfully  as  her  poems 
advise  others  to  do.  The  deeply  religious  character  of 
the  woman  stands  out  boldly  in  nearly  all  her  work. 
The  next  world  is  apparently  as  real  to  her  as  the  pres- 
ent. Her  heart  is  in  her  work,  and  to  the  end  of  life's 
chapter,  while  able,  may  she  wield  her  pen  to  tell  the 
Story  so  dear  to  her  heart,  in  verse  and  song. 


E.   S.    LORENZ. 


Liy 
E.  S.  Lorenz 

DURING  all  ages  music  has  been  regarded  as 
the  handmaid  of  religion.  The  bards  of  old 
were  co-workers  with  the  prophets  in  cultivat- 
ing the  spiritual  natures  of  the  people.  So  it  has  fol- 
lowed naturally  that  while  music  has  done  much  for 
religion,  religion  has  also  done  much  for  music.  With 
a  desire  to  purify  and  elevate  the  music  of  God's  sanc- 
tuary there  has  naturally  come  to  many  preachers  of 
the  Gospel  the  necessity  of  writmg  such  songs  as 
seemed  to  them  suited  to  worship.  Some  ministers 
with  special  musical  talent  have  found  such  a  field  of 
usefulness  in  this  line  that  they  have  given  up  preach- 
ing to  devote  themselves  entirely  to  the  work  of  writ- 
ing music,  feeling  that  they  could  serve  God  and  hu- 
manity as  well  in  this  way  as  in  preaching.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  is  one  who  is  now  devoting  his  life 
to  sacred  music,  and  he  is  preaching  through  gosj^el 
song  to  thousands  of  people  all  over  the  world,  who 
otherwise  would  never  hear  his  voice. 

Edmund  Simon  Lorenz  is  the  eldest  son  of  Eev. 
Edward  and  Barbara  (Gueth)  Lorenz,  and  was  born  in 
Stark  County,  Ohio,  July  13,  1854.  Edmund  attended 
the  public  schools  in  Stark  County,  in  Cleveland  and 
in  Toledo,  Ohio,  and  after  graduating  from  the  high 
school  at  the  latter  city  engaged  in  teaching.     Next  he 

319 


320    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

entered  Otterbein  University,  from  which  he  graduated 
with  the  degree  of  A.  M.  He  was  a  student  of  Union 
Biblical  Seminary,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  later  in  Yale 
Theological  Seminary,  from  which  he  received  the  de- 
gree of  Bachelor  of  Divinity.  In  1883  and  1884  he 
studied  in  the  University  at  Leipzig,  Germany,  giving 
special  attention  to  philosophy  and  church  history. 

After  his  return  from  Europe  he  filled  the  pastorate 
of  High  Street  United  Brethren  Church  in  Dayton, 
Ohio,  for  two  years.  In  1887  he  was  elected  president 
of  Lebanon  Yalley  College,  at  Annville,  Pa.  He  en- 
tered upon  this  work  with  zeal  and  devotion,  to  which 
was  due  great  progress  in  the  development  and  useful- 
ness of  the  institution.  But  his  physical  constitution, 
undermined  by  the  double  work  of  musical  editing 
and  study  during  his  collegiate  and  theological  train- 
ing, and  the  severity  of  his  previous  pastoral  duties, 
suddenly  gave  way  in  1888,  and  he  was  completely 
prostrated.  The  next  three  years  were  passed  in  weary 
invalidism,  and  though  his  health  is  now  excellent  he 
is  still  compelled  to  limit  his  public  efforts  and  his  en- 
joyment of  general  society.  Shut  out  from  public 
work,  he  turned  his  attention  to  music,  which  had  been 
his  diversion  previously,  and  in  the  theory  of  Avhich  art 
he  had  been  thoroughly  grounded. 

Mr.  Lorenz  published  his  first  book  in  18Y5.  Since 
then  he  has  edited  fifty  books  which  include  Sunday- 
school  song  books,  gospel  song  books,  hymnals  and 
anthem  books,  books  for  male  voices  and  for  primary 
classes,  services  and  cantatas,  sheet  music  and  even 
organ  music.  His  compositions  are  wholly  of  a  relig- 
ious character. 

In  1886  Mr.  Lorenz  projected  a  series  of  books  on 


E.  S.  LOllENZ  321 

revival  work,  and  in  1887  issued  "  The  Coming  Re- 
vival," a  handbook  for  laymen  ;  also  "  The  Gospel 
AVorker's  Treasury  of  Hymns  and  Revival  Anecdotes," 
which  contains  suggestive  revival  texts,  sermon  out- 
lines and  Scripture  readings,  and  this  work  is  now  a 
standard  with  preachers  of  all  denominations.  In  1888 
appeared  his  "  Getting  Ready  for  a  Revival,"  which 
also  occupies  a  high  place  in  revival  literature.  In  1909 
Re  veil  published  his  "  Practical  Church  Music,"  an  ex- 
haustive study  of  principles,  methods  and  plans  in  this 
neglected  field.  It  is  recognized  as  the  leading  book 
on  this  subject. 

After  somewhat  recovering  from  his  nervous  col- 
lapse, Mr.  Lorenz  began  the  publication  of  sacred 
music  in  a  small  way  under  the  firm  name  of  Lorenz  & 
Company,  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  this  firm  is  now,  under 
the  name  of  Lorenz  Publishing  Company,  one  of  the 
leading  houses  in  its  line  in  the  country,  its  trade  ex- 
tendino^  from  ocean  to  ocean,  and  into  foreio^n  lands. 
In  1894  he  founded  the  Choir  Leader,  in  1897  the 
Choir  Herald,  monthly  periodicals  devoted  to  choir 
music,  and  now  recognized  as  being  the  leading  pub- 
lications of  their  class  in  the  world.  The  Kircheyi- 
chor,  a  German  choir  monthly,  also  edited  by  him, 
was  founded  in  1897.  This  business,  w4th  its  New 
York  branch,  is  steadily  growing  in  extent,  and  is  con- 
stantly broadening  its  scope. 

While  Mr.  Lorenz,  owing  to  his  nervous  limitations, 
left  the  ministry,  he  is  still  an  active  worker  in  church 
and  Y.  M.  C.  A.  circles  and  makes  a  great  many  re- 
ligious addresses  of  various  kinds. 

Mr.  Lorenz  resides  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  where  he  has  a 
most  pleasant  home. 


322    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

He  is  author  of  both  words  and  music  of  many  of 
his  best  gospel  songs,  and  they  are  free  from  the  com- 
monplace jingle  that  has  been  too  common  in  recent 
years.  His  songs  show  thought  and  a  cultivated  mind, 
and  breathe  a  spirit  of  worshipful  devotion  that  nat- 
urally commend  them  to  those  who  desire  to  use  music 
which  can  be  sung  "  with  the  spirit  and  with  the 
understanding  also." 


H.  H.  McGRANAHAN. 


LY 

H.  H.  McGranahan 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  II.  H.  McGranahan, 
was  born  at  Jamestown,  Pa.,  June  3,  1854. 
When  he  was  ten  3^ears  of  age,  he  began  the 
study  of  music  under  his  uncle.  James  McGranahan,  the 
eminent  gospel  song  writer. 

He  commenced  the  study  of  theory  and  harmony  in 
Dr.  Geo.  F.  Boot's  Summer  Normal  School  in  1875. 
These  he  attended  regularly  until  1881,  excepting  the 
summer  of  1878,  when  he  went  to  Europe  with  Dr. 
Eben  Tourjee's  musical  party  to  the  Paris  Exposition, 
then  making  a  tour  through  the  principal  countries  of 
Europe. 

For  several  years  he  was  connected  with  Dr.  H.  K. 
Palmer's  Summer  School  of  Music  as  a  pupil,  also  as  a 
teacher  of  harmony  and  singing,  and  during  the  season 
conducted  musical  institutes  and  conventions  in  Penn- 
sylvania, Ohio  and  New  York. 

He  then  entered  the  New  England  Conservatory  of 
Music,  Boston,  studying  voice  culture  with  Lyman 
W.  Wheeler  and  harmony  and  composition  with 
J.  C.  D.  Parker.  In  1884  he  taught  in  the  New  York 
City  Church  Choral  Union,  which  was  under  Dr.  H.  K. 
Palmer's  supervision,  and  in  1885  took  charge  of  the 
same  kind  of  work  in  Philadelphia,  where  he  remained 
until  1888.  The  Philadelphia  Church  Choral  Union 
was  under  the  management  of  representatives  of  the 

325 


326    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

different  denominations,  Mr.  W.  H.  Wanamaker  acting 
as  president,  Robert  C.  Ogden,  vice-president,  Rev. 
J.  R.  Miller,  D.  D.,  secretary  and  Dr.  C.  R.  Blackall, 
treasurer.     Its  entire  membership  numbered  over  5,000. 

Mr.  D.  L.  Moody  was  then  preparing  to  begin  in- 
struction in  his  Bible  Institute  in  Chicago,  and  engaged 
Mr.  McGranahan  to  take  charge  of  the  musical  depart- 
ment, where  he  began  in  1889  and  continued  until  1894. 
Returning  to  Philadelphia  he  reorganized  the  Church 
Choral  Union,  and  in  addition  to  that  work  did  private 
voice  teaching,  directed  a  choir  and  a  male  chorus  at 
the  Sunday  afternoon  meetings  of  the  Central 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  Two  notable  occasions  in  this  city  was 
the  directing  of  the  music  for  the  centennial  celebration 
of  the  Presbyterian  church,  held  in  the  Academy  of 
Music,  when  in  an  afternoon  meeting  a  choir  of  1,200 
sang,  and  in  the  evening  an  adult  choir  of  1,000,  which, 
in  connection  with  the  congregation  of  about  4,000, 
united  in  a  service  of  song.  The  other  occasion  was 
the  Diamond  Jubilee  of  the  American  Sunday-School 
Union,  when  a  chorus  of  1,000  sang  "Gloria"  by 
Mozart,  and  other  strong  choral  selections,  and  led  the 
singing  of  the  great  congregation. 

At  the  close  of  this  season  Professor  McGranahan 
suffered  a  severe  nervous  collapse  and  was  unable  to 
resume  active  work  for  nearly  two  years.  He  then 
took  up  work  in  Pittsburgh,  doing  class  and  private 
teaching,  with  choir  work.  Although  a  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  he  was  engaged  as  musical  in- 
structor in  the  United  Presbyterian  Theological 
Seminary,  and  has  edited  several  anthem  books  for  the 
Publication  Board  of  that  church. 

He  has  edited,  in  whole  or  in  connection  with  others, 


H.  H.  McGRANAHAN  327 

eight  music  books,  including  "  Anthem  Diadem,"  pub- 
lished by  The  Biglow  &  Main  Co. ;  "  The  Choral  Class 
Book,"  Theodore  Fresser  ;  "  The  Juvenile  Class  and  Con- 
cert," The  John  Church  Company,  and  "  Select  Anthems, 
Nos.  1,  2,  3  and' 4."  He  has  given  some  attention  to 
Summer  Assembly  work  :  directing  the  music  at  the  Sea 
Side  Assembly,  Avon-By-the-Sea,  N.  J.,  three  seasons, 
and  at  the  Grove  City  (Pa.)  Bible  School  five  seasons. 

He  now  resides  at  Jamestown,  Pa.,  with  his  wife  and 
son,  and  is  engaged  in  compiling  and  publishing  music 
books  in  Pittsburgh,  but  gives  some  time  to  directing 
music  in  conventions  and  evangelistic  meetings. 


J.  H.  HALL. 


LVI 


J.  H.  Hall 


THE  subject  of  this  sketch  and  author  of  this 
book,  Jacob  Henry  Hall,  was  born  January 
2,  1855,  near  Harrisonburg,  Rockingham 
County,  Ya.  This  is  the  most  beautiful  section  of  the 
Old  Dominion,  the  great  Shenandoah  Yalley  of  Vir- 
ginia. He  is  a  son  of  George  G.  and  Elizabeth  (Thomas) 
Hall.  His  father,  being  a  farmer,  brought  up  his  son 
in  the  same  vocation,  and  he  served  his  time  faithfully 
until  he  became  of  age.  His  parents  and  their  entire 
family  were  quite  musical.  On  his  father's  side  his 
ancestry  are  English  and  Scotch,  and  on  his  mother's 
side  German.  The  boy  Avas  always  fond  of  helping 
his  mother,  and  was  her  gardener  as  long  as  he  re- 
mained at  home. 

He  was  passionately  fond  of  music  from  childhood 
and  his  father  sent  him  to  the  singing  schools  taught 
by  Prof.  Timothy  Funk  and  others,  where  he  learned 
to  read  music  by  note  when  but  a  small  boy.  During 
the  winter  months  he  attended  literary  school. 

When  a  child  a  lady  presented  him  with  a  mouth- 
organ  and  the  music  (if  it  could  be  called  music)  which 
he  made  always  seemed  to  have  more  charm  for  him- 
self than  for  any  other  member  of  the  household. 
Later  on  by  his  industry  he  made  money  enough  trap- 
ping quails  to  purchase  a  German  accordeon,  which  he 

329 


330    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

soon  learned  to  play  one  part  while  he  would  sing  an- 
other, and  this  was  to  the  delight  of  all.  Still  later  an 
elder  brother  and  himself  purchased  an  organ.  In  a 
few  months,  and  without  the  aid  of  a  teacher,  he  learned 
to  play  hymn-tunes,  gospel  songs,  anthems,  etc. 

He  always  seemed  to  possess  a  rare  determination  to 
succeed  in  learning  the  "divine  art,"  and  the  real 
dream  of  his  boyhood  was  to  become  a  musician  and 
teacher.  While  working  on  the  farm  he  would  spend 
the  evenings  and  rainy  days  reading,  singing  and 
studying  theoretical  works,  preparing  for  his  life-work. 
When  eighteen  years  of  age  he  called  on  Prof.  H.  T. 
Wartman,  the  most  prominent  musician  at  that  time  in 
Harrisonburg,  for  advice  concerning  the  study  of  music. 
Their  little  conference  was  a  pleasant  one,  and  the  pro- 
fessor presented  the  young  aspirant  with  a  copy  of  the 
"Keystone  Collection,"  by  A.  N.  Johnson,  a  large 
book  which  contained  nearly  one  hundred  pages  of 
Rudiments,  Voice,  Discipline,  etc.  He  soon  mastered  its 
contents.  Professor  Wartman  invited  him  to  attend  his 
classes  in  Harrisonburg  and  other  places,  Avhich  he  did 
with  much  profit.  The  young  man  also  studied  theory, 
harmony  and  composition  w4th  him,  and  he  became  his 
favorite  pupil,  and  assisted  him  in  his  classes. 

In  1877  he  attended  a  Normal  Music  School  at  New 
Market,  Ya.,  conducted  by  Profs.  B.  C.  Unseld  and 
P.  J.  Merges.  Here  he  got  a  clearer  conception  than 
ever  before  what  music  teaching  really  meant.  He 
was  perfectly  delighted  with  the  methods.  At  the 
close  of  this  school  he  entered  into  a  partnership  with 
Professor  Wartman  in  conducting  singing  schools  and 
conventions,  in  which  they  were  eminently  successful. 
After  two  years  of  this  pleasant  association.  Professor 


J.  H.  HALL  331 

Wartman  moved  to  Florida ;  thus  the  partnership  was 
dissolved. 

In  1879  he  attended  another  normal  conducted  by 
Professors  Unseld  and  Merges.  Mr.  Hall  was  now 
able  to  do  splendid  work  in  the  field  of  song  and  by 
his  industry  and  enthusiasm  he  steadily  gained  prestige 
as  a  teacher. 

Re  now  decided  to  obey  that  Bible  injunction  that 
says,  "It  is  not  good  that  the  man  should  be  alone." 
So  on  January  23,  1883,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Frances  Bowman,  daughter  of  Eev.  Joseph  and 
Sarah  (Flory)  Bowman,  a  lady  that  has  ever  since  been 
a  helpmate  truly  and  indeed,  and  who  has  ever  en- 
couraged Mr.  Hall  in  his  musical  work.  They  reside 
in  Dayton,  Ya.,  where  they  have  a  pleasant  home. 
Their  only  child,  Charles  Ernest  Hall,  is  a  highly  ac- 
complished musician. 

In  1885  he  published  a  small  collection  of  music,  en- 
titled, "  Hall's  Songs  of  Home." 

In  1888  he  attended  another  normal  conducted  by 
Professors  Unseld  and  Merges. 

The  Kuebush-Kieffer  Company  now  solicited  the 
services  of  Mr.  Hall  to  help  make  a  class  book.  "  The 
Star  of  Bethlehem  "  was  the  result  of  this  effort.  He 
wrote  the  Kudiments  and  arranged  the  book  into 
Departments.     It  was  a  great  success. 

In  1890  he  attended  Dana's  Musical  Institute,  War- 
ren, Ohio.  Here  he  made  a  fine  record.  He  went  out 
from  this  school  with  renewed  energy  into  his  normal 
work.  In  1891  he  invented  "  Hall's  Music  Chart,"  the 
greatest  chart  of  its  class.  The  late  Professor  Kieffer  said, 
"  '  Hall's  Music  Chart '  is  the  most  comprehensive  and 
complete   chart    in   the    world."     In    the    same   year 


382    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

"  Practical  Yoice  Culture  "  was  brought  out.  Also  in 
the  same  year  he  attended  a  normal  conducted  by 
Dr.  Geo.  F.  Root  and  Prof.  F.  W.  Root,  at  Silver  Lake, 
N.  Y.,  and  Dr.  H.  R.  Palmer's  School  of  Music,  at 
Chautauqua,  N.  Y.  These  schools  opened  up  a  new 
musical  world  to  him. 

Li  1892  "Fountain  of  Praise "  was  issued.  In  the 
same  year  he  became  a  member  of  The  Ruebush-Kieffer 
Company,  and  was  chosen  to  assist  Prof.  A.  S.  Kieffer 
in  editing  tlie  Musical  Million^  and  he  served  in  that 
capacity  doing  editorial  work  for  seventeen  years. 
Also  in  said  same  year  he  attended  another  session  of 
Dr.  Root's  normal. 

In  1893  "The  Messenger  of  Song "  was  issued.  In 
1894  "  Crowning  Day,  No.  1  "  was  issued.  In  the 
same  year  he  attended  the  Philadelphia  Summer 
School  of  Music,  conducted  by  such  eminent  teachers 
and  lecturers  as  Drs.  Wm.  Mason,  W.  S.  B.  Mathews, 
H.  A.  Clarke,  and  H.  G.  Hanchett,  Profs.  F.  W. 
Root,  W.  H.  Sherwood,  L.  C.  Elson,  C.  AY.  Landon, 
J.  C.  Fillmore  and  others.  Also  in  the  same  year  he 
studied  harmony  with  Dr.  H.  S.  Perkins  in  The  Na- 
tional College  of  Music,  Chicago,  and  at  the  same  time 
studied  voice  with  Profs.  D.  A.  Clippinger  and  C.  B. 
Shaw. 

In  1895  "Choir  Anthems"  and  "  The  Yocal  Gem" 
were  published  ;  1896,  "  Crowning  Day,  No.  2  "  ;  1897, 
"  The  Normal  Banner  "  and  "  Practical  Harmony  and 
Composition";  1898,  "Crowning  Day,  No.  3";  1899, 
"  Sacred  Hymnal  "  ;  1900,  "  Crowning  Day,  No.  4  "  ; 
1901,  "Male  Quartets";  1902,  "Crowning  Day, 
No.  5";  1903,  "Chorus  and  Choir";  19Ul,  '^  Crown- 
ing  Day,    No.    6,"   and   "  Practical   Music   Reader " ; 


J.  H.  HALL  333 

1905,  "Golden  Thoughts  and  Memoirs";  1906,  "Sun- 
light of  Praise  "  ;  1907,  "  Male  Quartets,  No.  2  "  ;  1908, 
"  Crowning  Day,  Nos.  1-6,"  combined.  This  book  con- 
tains only  the  cream  of  this  famous  series  of  gospel  song 
books,  and  is  by  far  the  best  gospel  song  book  that  has 
yet  been  published  by  The  Ruebush-Kieffer  Company. 
1909,  "  Life  and  Light "  ;  1910,  "  Temperance  Songs  "  ; 
1911,  "Spirit  of  Praise,"  with  Profs.  C.  C.  Case  and 
Wm.  J.  Kirkpatrick,  associates  ;  in  1912,  "  Hall's  Quar- 
tettes for  Men,"  published  by  D.  W.  Crist,  Moultrie, 
Ohio.  This  is  his  finest  quartette-  book.  In  1913 
"  Sacred  Melodies  "  was  issued.  The  above  is  a  partial 
list  of  Mr.  Hall's  more  important  works  to  date,  and 
are  all  with  the  above  exception  published  by  The 
Ruebush-Kieffer  (Company,  Dayton,  Va.  Some  of  his 
most  popular  gospel  songs  are  :  "  Hurry  and  Tell  Him," 
"  The  Gospel  Invitation,"  "  Open  the  Windows  of 
Heaven,"  "Go  and  Tell  Others  the  Story,"  "Jesus 
is  Your  Friend,"  "Helpers  Are  JSTeeded,"  "We  will 
Walk  and  Talk  with  Jesus,"  etc. 

Through  hard  work,  energy  and  close  application, 
Mr.  Hall  has  achieved  success  in  his  chosen  profession. 
He  worked  his  own  way,  and  now  often  wonders  how 
he  surmounted  the  many  obstacles  which  obstructed 
his  path.  He  is  principal  of  the  National  Normal 
School  of  Music,  and  has  held  sessions  of  this  popular 
Institute  in  twenty  different  states,  and  has  had  as 
many  as  eight  different  states  represented  in  a  single 
session.  It  is  an  established  fact  that  among  the  most 
practical  musicians,  authors  and  teachers,  are  those 
who  have  been  trained  and  educated  in  first-class 
normals. 

As  a  teacher  and  instructor.  Professor  Hall  has  few 


33J:    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

equals.  Clear,  original  and  logical  in  his  methods, 
firm  in  his  convictions,  yet  kind,  pleasant  and  unassum- 
ing in  his  manner,  he  immediately  wins  the  respect  and 
confidence  of  his  pupils.  His  true  manliness  and  in- 
tegrity are  above  reproach.  He  js  a  member  of  the 
Brethren  Church,  and  has  conducted  the  music  in  a 
number  of  conferences  and  revivals ;  also  directed  the 
music  in  some  of  the  late  Rev.  Sam  Jones'  great  meet- 
ings. Long  may  he  live  and  write  many  more  beauti- 
ful gospel  songs  for  the  uplifting  and  betterment  of 
humanity. 


GEO.    F.    ROSCHE. 


LVII 

Geo.  F.  Rosche 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  George  F.  Eosche, 
was  born  August  18,  1855,  near  Navarre, 
Stark  County,  Ohio.  His  father  being  a 
farmer,  the  son  spent  his  youthful  days  on  the  farm. 
When  he  was  ten  years  of  age  he  attended  the  first 
singing  school  that  was  organized  in  that  section  of  the 
country,  and  he  attended  every  term  that  was  in  walk- 
ing distance.  He  also  attended  literary  school.  At  the 
age  of  twelve  his  father  purchased  an  organ  and  the 
boy  began  the  study  of  music  in  earnest  with  Miss 
Christina  Carver,  who  was  an  excellent  teacher  as  well 
as  a  splendid  pianist.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  attended 
Dana's  Musical  Institute  at  AVarren,  Ohio,  for  the  term 
of  one  year.  He  then  began  teaching  piano  and  organ 
and  followed  this  work  by  teaching  singing  schools,  at 
all  of  which  he  was  quite  successful.  During  this  time 
he  was  also  studying  harmony  and  composition  with 
Rev.  Corthauer,  of  Massillon,  Ohio.  When  he  was 
nineteen  years  of  age  he  went  to  Stuttgart,  Germany, 
and  attended  the  Royal  Conservatory  of  Music  for  two 
full  years  where  he  studied  piano,  pipe  organ,  harmony 
and  composition  and  voice  culture.  Here  he  lived  in  a 
pure  musical  atmosphere.  He  listened  to  the  great 
singers,  pianists,  and  the  best  operas,  and  soon  his 
taste  for  good  music  became  very  pronounced. 

Mr.  Rosche  returned  to  America  in  1876,  and  went 

337 


338    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

to  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  where  he  taught  piano,  etc.,  for 
three  years.  In  1879  he  was  called  to  the  chair  of 
music  in  the  Seminary  of  the  German  Evangelical 
Synod  of  North  America,  located  at  Elmhurst,  111. 
This  position  gave  him  an  opportunity  for  developing 
his  talent  in  theory  and  composition  of  music,  wiiich 
he  taught  in  connection  with  piano,  pipe  organ  and 
singing.  He  held  this  position  for  seven  years  and  re- 
signed in  188 J:  for  the  purpose  of  going  into  the  piano 
and  organ  business  and  also  music  publishing,  ^vhich 
was  to  some  extent  established  during  the  seven  years 
he  spent  at  this  seminary. 

Mr.  Rosche  is  now  doing  a  handsome  publishing 
business  in  Chicago,  111.  In  1897  The  Church  Choh\ 
a  monthly  publication,  was  established  which  has  been 
very  successful  and  popular  w^ith  choirs. 

Some  of  his  most  popular  gospel  songs  are  :  "  Praise 
Him,"  "  Have  Faith  In  God,"  ''He  Keepeth  Me  Ever," 
"Resting  in  the  Arms  of  Jesus,"  "Someday,  Some- 
where," etc. 

He  has  edited  and  published  a  great  many  books, 
many  of  which  are  quite  popular.  These  are  mostly  in 
the  line  of  music  for  voices  of  women  and  voices  of 
men ;  also  anthem  books  for  mixed  voices  in  both  the 
English  and  the  German  language.  It  is  said  that 
Mr.  Rosche  is  the  leading  publisher  of  German  church 
choir  music  in  the  United  States. 

He  takes  special  pleasure  in  writing  the  music  for 
Sunday-school  cantatas  and  Sunday-school  music  in 
general.  He  has  composed  fifteen  cantatas  for  the 
Sunday-school,  all  of  which  have  met  with  success. 
Mr.  Rosche  seems  to  be  especially  gifted  and  successful 
in  writing  music  for  children. 


GEO.  F.  ROSCHE  339 

In  1880  Mr.  Eosclie  was  married  to  Miss  Ida  Kate 
Weiser,  of  Indianapolis,  Ind.  TJiey  reside  in  Chicago, 
and  have  two  sons  and  a  daughter.  The  daughter  is 
a  graduate  of  the  Chicago  Art  Institute.  Mr.  Kosche's 
musical  contributions  have  put  sunshine  in  many  Sun- 
day-schools, and  both  young  and  old  have  found  much 
joy  and  profit  in  telling  the  gospel  story  in  song. 


CHAS.   EDW.   PRIOR. 


LYIII 

Chas.  Edw.  Prior 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Charles  Edward 
Prior,  was  born  near  Moosup,  Conn.,  January 
24,  1856,  the  son  of  Erastus  L.  and  Sarah  L. 
(Burleson)  Prior.  His  interest  in  music  dates  from 
early  childhood.  When  but  three  years  old  he  sang 
"  Kosalie,  the  Prairie  Flower,"  and  other  popular  songs, 
to  the  delight  of  the  community.  When  he  was  about 
four  years  of  age,  the  family  moved  to  Jewett  City, 
Conn.,  w^here  he  received  a  good  common  school  edu- 
cation, and  where  his  business  career  began.  When 
fourteen  years  of  age  he  became  organist  for  the  Con- 
gregational Church  in  Jewett  City,  and  held  the  posi- 
tion for  eight  years,  resigning  to  accept  the  position  of 
chorister  and  organist  for  the  Baptist  Church,  of  which 
he  is  an  active  member.  Here  he  at  once  formed  a 
choir  of  young  people,  and  they  did  excellent  service 
in  the  church.  He  also  organized  an  orchestra  in 
the  Sunday-school,  which  created  much  interest  in  that 
department. 

While  Mr.  Prior  has  never  devoted  his  time  to  con- 
vention work,  his  reputation  as  a  leader  has  become 
wide-spread,  and  several  Christian  Endeavor  Conven- 
tions in  Connecticut  have  put  the  conducting  of  their 
song  services  entirely  in  his  hands.  He  was  elected 
musical  director  of  the  annual  assemblies  at  Crescent 
Beach,  held  by  the  Connecticut  Baptist  Bible  School 

341 


342    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Union.  He  is  a  willing  worker  and  the  people  appre- 
ciate his  services.  Mr.  Prior  has  been  an  honorary 
member  of  the  Worcester  County  Musical  Association 
for  many  years,  and  takes  an  active  interest  in  all  of 
its  affairs.  It  was  while  singing  in  the  chorus  at  the 
festivals  of  this  association  that  his  love  of  oratorio  mu- 
sic was  kindled,  and  he  became  quite  famiUar  with 
many  of  these  grand  compositions. 

He  is  also  familiar  with  the  best  gospel  songs  and 
church  music  in  general.  His  first  compositions  were  an- 
thems for  his  choir,  and  were  highly  complimented.  He 
then  wrote  a  number  of  popular  songs,  of  which  more 
than  fifty  were  published  in  sheet  form.  This  list  in- 
cluded sacred,  sentimental,  campaign,  and  temperance 
songs,  some  of  them  having  a  very  flattering  sale. 

In  1883  his  first  song  book,  "  Spicy  Breezes,"  was 
published.  He  was  assisted  in  the  preparation  of  this 
book  by  one  of  his  early  pastors.  Rev.  C.  W.  Ray,  D.  D. 
In  1890  a  new  collection,  "  Sparkling  and  Bright,"  with 
J.  H.  Tenney  as  associate,  was  issued,  and  in  1892,  in 
connection  with  W.  A.  Ogden,  "  Our  Best  Endeavor  '' 
was  given  to  the  public,  and  this  book  has  met  with 
general  favor  wherever  used.  Among  Mr.  Prior's 
most  popular  gospel  songs  we  mention  the  following : 
"God  is  Our  Refuge,"  "Are  There  Ten  To-day?" 
"How  Shall  I  Live?"  "Linger  Near  Me,  Blessed 
Saviour,"  "Loyal  to  Jesus,"  "The  Lord  is  My 
Strength,"  "AYhat  Shall  We  Bring?"  "The  First 
Glad  Song,"  "  The  Heavenly  Land,"  "  Beautiful  Beth- 
lehem," and  "  Stand  and  Speak."  He  has  also  contrib- 
uted generously  to  many  books  of  other  authors. 

Mr.  Prior  not  only  has  musical  talent,  but  he  also 
has  much  business  abilitv.     Wherever  he  has  been  em- 


CHAS.  EDW.  PRIOR  343 

ployed  he  has  proved  himself  abundantly  capable.  It 
may  be  mteresting  to  review  his  business  positions  and 
interests  ;  also  his  church  work.  His  first  position  was 
in  the  office  of  the  Norwich  ^Worcester  R.  R.  Co.,  in 
Norwich.  In  1875  he  became  bookkeeper  and  pay- 
master for  the  Ashland  Cotton  Company,  of  Jewett 
City.  He  w^as  elected  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the 
Jewett  City  Savings  Bank  in  18:s3,  and  a  few  years  later 
he  became  a  member  of  the  corporation  and  a  director. 
In  1895  the  position  of  assistant  treasurer  of  the  Se- 
curity Company  of  Hartford  was  offered  to  Mr.  Prior 
and  accepted  by  him.  In  1896  he  was  elected  secre- 
tary and  treasurer  of  the  company  and  since  November, 
1904,  has  held  the  offices  of  vice-president  and  treasurer. 

For  six  years  he  was  president  of  the  Hartford  Bap- 
tist Union.  He  is  also  a  director  of  the  Hartford 
Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and  a  member  of  the  Connecticut  Histor- 
ical Society.  Mr.  Prior  has  been  deeply  interested  in 
the  Italian  Baptist  Mission  in  Hartford  for  a  number 
of  years,  serving  as  pianist  and  as  treasurer,  and  devot- 
ing much  time  and  thought  to  the  work.  The  success 
of  this  mission  has  been  very  pronounced,  and  Mr. 
Prior  is  acknowledged  to  have  been  an  important 
factor  in  its  prosperity. 

Mr.  Prior  says  that  he  owes  much  of  his  success  in 
life  to  the  influence  of  his  sympathetic  and  helpful 
wife,  w^ho  was  Miss  Mary  Eleanor  Campbell,  of  Jewett 
City.  They  reside  in  Hartford,  Conn.,  and  have  one 
son,  who  is  a  fine  singer  and  good  business  man. 

May  Mr.  Prior  live  long  and  give  to  the  w^orld  more 
of  the  true  and  beautiful  in  gospel  song. 


MISS  E.   E.   HEWITT. 


LIX 

Miss  E.  E.  Hewitt 

ELIZA  EDMUKDS  HEWITT  was  born  and 
educated  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  has  always 
lived  in  that  historic  city.  After  her  gradua- 
tion from  the  normal  school  she  began  teaching,  but 
this  career  was  cut  short  by  a  serious  spinal  trouble, 
which  rendered  her  a  shut-in  sufferer  for  a  number  of 
years.  After  a  long  period  of  pain  and  helplessness, 
health  was  gradually  restored,  but  she  has  ever  since 
been  subject  to  physical  limitations  and  occasional  ill- 
nesses. While  an  invalid,  she  wrote  a  hymn  for  her 
pastor,  Kev.  Henry  C.  McOook,  D.  D.,  entitled  ''  Win- 
ning Souls  For  Jesus."  A  copy  of  this  hymn  was 
placed  in  the  corner-stone  of  the  beautiful  Tabernacle 
Church  (Presbyterian),  in  West  Philadelphia. 

After  this  she  wrote  some  motion  songs  for  a  friend 
to  use  in  a  primary  Sunday-school.  Some  of  her  work 
came  into  the  hands  of  the  late  Prof.  J.  R.  Sweney, 
who  wrote  to  her,  asking  for  contributions.  This  was 
the  beginning  of  her  public  work.  Her  labors  were 
soon  increased  by  the  acquaintance  of  Prof.  W.  J. 
Kirkpatrick.  For  him  she  has  written  more  exten- 
sively than  for  any  other  composer.  Professor  Sweney 
furnished  music  for  some  of  her  most  popular  hymns, 
such  as  "  There  is  Sunshine  In  My  Soul,"  "  Will  There 
Be  Any  Stars,"  and  "  More  About  Jesus."     Professor 

345 


346    GOSPEL  SOKG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Kirkpatrick  wrote  to  such  favorites  as  "  Stepping  In 
the  Light,"  "  A  Blessing  in  Prayer,"  "  The  Yery  Same 
Jesus,"  "Beautiful  Robes,"  etc.  Prof.  J.  H.  Hall 
wrote  music  for  several  of  Miss  Hewitt's  hymns  ;  per- 
haps the  most  popular  of  these  are  :  "  Go  and  Tell 
Others  the  Story,"  "  A  Message  From  the  King,"  and 
"  Helpers  are  Needed."  One  of  Miss  Hewitt's  hymns, 
"  Not  One  Forgotten  "  (the  original  "  Sparrow  Song  "), 
is  especially  dear  to  its  author  because  of  circumstances 
attending  its  composition,  as  well  as  its  frequent  use  in 
hospital  and  other  ministrations  of  love.  It  is  always 
a  great  joy  to  hear  of  a  blessing  upon  one's  work,  how- 
ever humble  that  w^ork  may  be,  and  Miss  Hewitt  is 
deeply  grateful  for  the  incidents  that  have  come  to  her 
knowledge  in  connection  with  the  use  of  her  hymns. 
These  incidents  relate  to  every  portion  of  our  ow^n  be- 
loved land,  and  also  to  the  "  uttermost  parts  of  the 
earth."  She  has  grouped  these  stories  in  a  talk  called 
"  Around  the  World  on  the  Wings  of  Song." 

As  time  went  on  and  strength  increased.  Miss  Hewitt 
was  able  to  take  up  the  delightful  work  of  Sunday- 
school  teaching ;  she  has  a  class  of  two  hundred  chil- 
dren. Her  interest  in  this  line  led  her  to  become  a 
regular  contributor  to  Sunday-school  Helfs^  and  to 
write  poems  and  stories  for  children's  papers. 

She  is  a  member  of  the  Philadelphia  Primary  Union, 
often  teaching  the  lesson  there,  and  in  other  places. 

Miss  Hewitt  is  also  interested,  as  should  be  every 
Christian,  in  missionary  work,  and  frequently  gives 
talks  on  missionary  subjects  in  her  own  city  and  else- 
where. 

The  many  pleasant  friendships  that  have  been 
formed   with  other  writers,  composers  and  publishers, 


MISS  E.  E.  HEWITT  347 

are  greatly  appreciated  by  Miss  Hewitt.  No  one  feels 
more  deeply  than  she  the  imperfections  of  he]*  work, 
but  such  as  it  is,  she  lays  at  the  Master's  feet.  He 
who  multiplied  the  lad's  loaves  deigns  to  bless  our 
humble  offerings,  and  to  use  them  in  His  service.  To 
His  name  be  the  praise. 


CHAS.   H.   GABRIEL. 


LX 

Charles  H.  Gabriel 

WHEN,  thirty  years  ago,  the  writer  began  a 
correspondence  with  a  music  writer  whose 
chirography  betrayed  a  youthful  hand,  he 
was  quite  certain  that  a  brilliant  future  was  before  his 
correspondent.  Some  of  the  hymns  which  he  furnished 
were  so  excellent  that  we  were  sure  that  a  great  hymn 
writer  was  about  to  win  laurels,  little  suspecting  that 
the  hynm  writer,  excellent  as  he  was,  was  to  be  over- 
shadowed by  the  composer,  and  that  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  to  win  his  laurels  as  a  music  writer  rather 
than  as  a  literary  man.  We  remember  Avith  some 
amusement  some  of  the  advice  we  ventured  to  give  our 
young  friend,  who,  after  all,  was  only  a  few  years  our 
junior,  and  who  was,  probably,  fully  as  capable  of  giv- 
ing as  of  receiving  advice,  even  at  that  early  day. 

Charles  Hutchison  Gabriel  was  born  in  Iowa,  August 
18,  1856,  and  spent  the  first  seventeen  years  of  his  life 
on  a  farm,  building  up  the  strong  constitution  which 
has  enabled  him  to  bear  the  strain  which  must  neces- 
sarily fall  upon  the  most  copious  popular  composer  of 
our  time.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  started  out  to 
hold  singing  classes  and  institutes  throughout  the 
Southern,  Western,  and  JSTorthern  states,  being  thus 
brought  into  close  contact  with  the  people  whose  needs 
he  so  well  understands  how  to  meet.     He  later  located 

349 


350    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

in  California,  where  he  was  recognized  as  the  leading 
composer  on  the  coast. 

Mr.  Gabriel  has  issued  a  large  amount  of  music  dur- 
ing the  last  thirty  years,  and  we  have  not  the  space  to 
give  the  long  catalogue.  He  has  been  recognized  as  a 
leading  writer  of  music  for  Sunday-schools,  having  is- 
sued twenty-four  books  for  Sunday-schools  and  evan- 
gelistic meetings,  his  songs  being  found  in  almost  every 
book  that  is  issued.  His  first  sacred  song  success, 
''  Send  the  Light,"  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  best  mis- 
sionary songs  extant,  while  scores  of  others,  among 
which  are :  "  Let  the  Sunshine  In,"  ''  Calling  the 
Prodigal,"  "  The  Way  of  the  Cross  Leads  Home,"  etc., 
have  large  popularity.  His  "  Glory  Song  "  is  no  doubt 
the  most  popular  song  he  ever  wrote.  The  song  may 
now  be  heard  in  many  tongues  and  dialects.  It  has 
been  translated  into  at  least  seventeen  languages.  It 
has  appeared  in  print  in  leaflets,  newspapers,  maga- 
zines and  books  no  less  than  17,000,000  times.  It  is 
enjoyed  by  all  classes  and  conditions  from  the  street 
urchin  to  the  nobility. 

Mr.  Gabriel  has  also  been  a  prolific  writer  of  an- 
thems, having  issued  fourteen  books  in  this  particular 
line,  besides  many  anthems  prepared  for  other 
authors. 

In  no  field,  perhaps,  has  he  done  more  brilliant  work 
than  in  cantatas  for  children,  of  which  he  has  written 
seven ^  both  libretto  and  music.  His  "  Dream  of  Fairy- 
land "  was  exceedingly  successful,  and  is  still  selling 
on  its  merits.  His  Christmas  cantatas,  of  which  he  has 
Avritten  thirty-eighty  have  all  been  popular,  tens  of 
thousands  of  many  of  them  having  been  sold.  He  has 
also  prepared  eleven  sacred  cantatas  for  adults  ;  three 


CHAKLES  H.  GABRIEL  351 

secular  operettas  and  07ie  sacred  cantata — "  Saul,  King 
of  Israel,"  which  he  considers  his  best  work. 

In  his  early  days  he  was  much  interested  in  and  a 
teacher  of  military  bands,  and  has  in  print  a  goodly 
number  of  marches,  waltzes,  etc.,  for  these  organiza- 
tions, beside  instruction  books  for  organ  and  piano, 
piano  duets,  solos,  etc. 

He  is  also  the  compiler  of  three  books  of  music  for 
female  voices ;  three  for  male  voices ;  one  class  book ; 
three  primary  song  books  ;  three  children's  concert  col- 
lections ;  more  than  one  hundred  speciid  day  programs, 
etc.,  etc. 

Mr.  Gabriel's  music  is  nothing  if  not  melodious. 
Even  a  comparatively  commonplace  theme  under  his 
pen  receives  some  touch  that  gives  it  a  perennial  fresh- 
ness, and  while  he  rarely  writes  difficult  or  severe 
music,  there  is  unbounded  variety  in  it  all.  Having 
received  little  or  no  instruction,  and  being  a  self-made 
man,  he  has  a  style  peculiarly  his  ow^n.  Copying  no 
teacher  or  instructor,  but  following  the  natural  bent  of 
his  genius,  he  is  little  hampered  by  purely  scholastic 
rules  of  form,  and  hence  is  free  to  produce  many  effects 
and  contrasts  which  other  composers  are  apt  to  lose; 
yet  his  freedom  deserves  no  censure,  as  it  amply  justi- 
fies itself  in  every  case.  He  gives  himself  wholly  to 
composition  and  his  work  is  in  constant  demand  by  the 
various  publishers  of  sacred  music.  Personally,  Mr. 
Gabriel  is  a  very  genial  and  kindly-spirited  man.  His 
large  success  has  not  spoiled  him,  but  seems  rather  to 
have  added  kindliness  and  helpfulness  to  his  naturally 
generous  disposition.  He  has  no  sense  of  rivalry  with 
other  composers  and  no  inclination  to  emphasize  their 
limitations   or   shortcomings.      There   is   probably   no 


352    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  AVRITERS 

composer  in  the  land  who  has  more  friends  among 
music  writers,  both  famous  and  obscure,  than  Mr.  Ga- 
briel. 

He  resides  in  Chicago  and  is  one  of  her  honored  citi- 
zens. May  he  live  long  and  continue  to  give  vent  to 
his  musical  genius. 


REV.  JOHNSON  OATMAN,  JR. 


LXI 
Rev.  Johnson  Oatman,   Jr. 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Johnson  Oatman, 
Jr.,  son  of  Johnson  and  Each  el  Ann  Oatman, 
was  born  near  Medford,  N.  J.,  April  21,  1856. 
His  father  was  an  excellent  singer,  and  it  always  de- 
lighted the  son  to  sit  by  his  side  and  hear  him  sing  the 
songs  of  the  church. 

Outside  of  the  usual  time  spent  in  the  public  schools, 
Mr.  Oatman  received  his  education  at  Herbert's  Acad- 
emy, Yincentown,  N.  J.,  and  the  New  Jersey  Collegiate 
Institute,  Bordentown,  N.  J.  At  the  age  of  nineteen 
he  joined  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  a  few  years  later  he 
was  granted  a  license  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  still 
later  he  was  regularly  ordained  by  Bishop  Merrill. 
However,  Mr.  Oatman  only  serves  as  a  local  preacher. 

For  many  years  he  was  engaged  with  his  father  in 
the  mercantile  business  at  Lumberton,  N.  J.,  under  the 
firm  name  of  Johnson  Oatman  &  Son.  Since  the  death 
of  his  father,  he  has  for  the  past  fifteen  years  been  in 
the  life  insurance  business,  having  charge  of  the  busi- 
ness of  one  of  the  great  companies  in  Mt.  Holly,  N.  J., 
where  he  resides. 

While  Mr.  Oatman  does  not  fill  any  particular  pul- 
pit, yet  he  daily  preaches  to  a  larger  congregation  than 
the  pastor  of  any  church  in  the  land.  For  through  the 
medium  of  sacred  song  he  preaches  the  Gospel  to  "  all 
the  world,  and  to  every  creature."  "  Let  all  the  peo- 
ple praise  the  Lord." 

355 


356    GOSPEL  SONO  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Mr.  Oatman  is  at  the  zenith  of  his  years,  and  at  this 
time  he  is  one  of  the  most  prolific  and  popular  gospel 
hymn  writers  in  the  world.  He  has  written  over  three 
thousand  hymns,  and  no  gospel  song  book  is  considered 
as  being  complete  unless  it  contains  some  of  his  hymns. 
He  wrote  his  first  song  in  1892,  which  was  brought  be- 
fore the  people  in  1893  by  the  late  Prof.  J.  R.  Sweney, 
and  entitled  ''  I  Am  AYalking  With  My  Saviour."  From 
that  time  on  Mr.  Oatman  has  written  and  sent  forth  to 
bless  the  world  an  average  of  over  two  hundred  songs 
each  year.  In  a  book  published  in  Boston  in  the  early 
part  of  his  career  as  a  song- writer,  he  made  the  follow- 
ing dedication  : 

"  Let  others  sing  of  rights  or  wrongs, 
Sing  anything  that  pleases  ; 
But  while  they're  singing  other  songs, 
I'll  sing  a  song  for  Jesus.' ' 

In  1894  Professor  Sweney  wrote  the  music  to  one 
of  Mr.  Oatman's  songs  which  at  once  gave  him  a  place 
in  the  front  ranks  among  American  hymn  writers.  It 
is  called  "  When  Our  Ships  Come  Sailing  Home."  It 
was  sung  at  the  great  Ocean  Grove,  N.  J.,  camp-meet- 
ing, and  the  people  there  went  wild  over  it.  The  late 
Bishop  C.  C.  McCabe  sang  it  all  over  the  United  States. 
The  chorus  of  the  famous  song  is  the  following : 

"  Oh,  what  singing,   oh,    what  shouting,  when   our 

ships  come  sailing  home  : 
They  have  stood  the  mighty  tempests,  they  have 

crossed  the  ocean's  foam  ; 
They  have  passed  o'er    stormy  billows,  but  they 

now  have  gained  the  shore. 
The  anchor's  cast,  they're  home  at  last,  the  voyage 

is  safely  o'er." 


KEY.  JOHNSON  OATMAN,  JR.  357 

About  the  same  time  Prof.  W.  J.  Kirkpatrick  intro- 
duced Mr.  Oatman's  "  Deeper  Yet."  This  song  made 
a  way  for  itself  into  the  hearts  of  all  true  worshippers. 
There  is  a  peculiar  depth  to  it  found  in  very  few  gos- 
pel songs. 

''  Deeper  yet,  deeper  yet,  into  the  crimson  flood  ; 
Deeper  yet,  deeper  yet,  under  the  precious  blood." 

Then  followed  "  Holy,  Holy,  Is  What  the  Angels 
Sing,"  brought  out  by  Dr.  H.  L.  Gilmour.  This  song 
has  only  to  be  heard  and  its  place  is  sure.  But  in  1895 
appeared  the  song  that  has  carried  the  name  of  Oat- 
man  to  every  clime  and  land  on  earth.  The  late  Prof. 
Geo.  C.  Hugg  wrote  the  music  to  "  No,  Not  One."  It 
went  like  wild-lire  from  the  start.  Within  one  year  it 
had  been  copied  into  thirty-five  books  and  took  a  place 
among  the  immortal  songs  of  the  religious  world. 
The  late  Bishop  Isaac  W.  Joyce  had  the  song  trans- 
lated into  Chinese  and  Japanese.  During  the  war  in 
South  Africa  the  Christian  Herald  of  New  York  had  a 
full -page  picture  of  the  Boer  refugees  on  the  border  of 
India  engaged  in  worship,  singing  this  popular  song  : 

''  Jesus  knows  all  about  our  struggles, 
He  will  guide  till  the  day  is  done  ; 
There's  not  a  friend  like  the  lowly  Jesus, 
No,  not  one  !     No,  not  one  !  " 

Many  fine  songs  are  only  appropriate  for  certain 
occasions,  but  "  No,  Not  One  "  can  be  sung  at  any  time, 
place,  or  occasion.  In  189Y  the  late  Prof.  J.  H.  Entwisle 
introduced  "  Higher  Ground."  The  music  was  written 
by  Mr.  Chas.  H.  Gabriel,  author  of  "  The  Glory  Song." 
This  song  at  once  took  high  rank  among  the  holiness 


358    GOSPEL  SOXG  ASD  HYMX  WEITERS 

people,  and  secured  a  lasting  place  in  American 
hymnology.  Nothing  can  bring  forth  more  shouts  at  a 
camp-meeting  of  "  Glory  "  and  "  Hallelujah  "  than  the 
singing  of  "  Higher  Ground  "  : 

' '  Lord,  lift  me  up  and  let  me  stand, 
By  faith,  on  heaven's  table-laud  -, 
A  higher  i^laue  than  I  have  found, 
Lord,  plant  my  feet  on  higher  ground." 

But  it  remained  for  Prof.  E.  O.  Excell  to  bring  out 
in  1897  what,  in  the  opinion  of  most  critics,  is  said  to 
be  Mr.  Oatman's  masterpiece.  "  Count  Your  Blessings," 
like  "  No,  Not  One,"  has  gone  all  over  the  world.  Like 
a  beam  of  sunlight  it  has  brightened  up  the  dark  places 
of  earth.  Perhaps  no  American  hymn  was  ever  re- 
ceived with  such  enthusiasm  in  England  as  "  Count 
Your  Blessings." 

A  London  daily,  in  giving  an  account  of  a  meeting 
presided  over  by  Gypsy  Smith,  said,  "  Mr.  Smith  an- 
nounced a  hymn.  '  Let  us  sing  "  Count  Your  Bless- 
ings." '  Said  he,  '  Down  in  South  London  the  men  sing 
it,  the  boys  whistle  it,  and  the  women  rock  their  babies 
to  sleep  to  the  tune.'  "  During  the  great  revival  in 
Wales  it  w^as  sung  at  every  service,  one  of  the  leading 
dailies  reporting  the  meetings,  publishing  in  full,  side 
by  side,  "  The  Glory  Song  "  and  "  Count  Your  Bless- 
ings." 

The  foregoing  are  only  a  few  of  Mr.  Oatman's  songs 
that  have  won  their  way  to  the  hearts  of  Christian 
people  everywhere.  "Take  Off  the  Old  Coat,"  '' O 
Don't  Stay  Away,"  "The  Blood  Upon  the  Door," 
"The  Same  Old  Way,"  "God's  Three  Hundred," 
"  When  the  Eire  Fell,"  "  I  Know  He's  Mine,"  "  Almost 


KEV.  JOHNSON  OATMAN,  JR.  359 

Home,"  and  many  others  are  among  his  best.  He  has 
constantly  on  hand  more  orders  for  songs  than  he  can 
possibly  fill.  In  a  letter  to  Mr.  Oatman  in  1892  Pro- 
fessor Sweney  said,  "  What  we  want  and  what  we  are 
looking  for  is  something  new."  From  that  time  on  the 
song  world  has  been  getting  from  the  pen  of  Kev. 
Johnson  Oatman,  Jr.,  something  new.  Withal,  Brother 
Oatman  is  a  firm  believer  in  the  good  old  doctrine  of 
the  Wesleyan  theology. 

On  July  21,  1878,  Mr.  Oatman  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Wilhelmina  Ried,  of  Lumberton,  N.  J.  Mrs. 
Oatman  was  a  most  devout  Christian  lady,  who  walked 
by  her  husband's  side  and  blessed  his  life  until  No- 
vember 20,  1909,  when  the  Lord  called  her  to  "  Higher 
Ground." 

Mr.  Oatman  has  three  children,  a  son  and  two 
daughters.  The  eldest  daughter,  Miriam  E.,  is  quite 
talented,  and  has  written  over  three  hundred  hymns 
and  is  also  a  composer  of  music,  having  set  music  to 
several  of  her  father's  hymns.  "  How  the  Fire  Fell  " 
is  perhaps  the  most  widely  known.  Brother  Oatman 
hopes  to  give  to  the  world  in  the  years  to  come  the 
best  songs  of  his  life. 


A.   J.    SHOWALTER. 


LXII 

A.  J.  Showalter 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Anthony  Johnson 
Showalter,  was  born  at  Cherry  Grove,  Eock- 
ingham  County,  Ya.,  May  1,  1858,  son  of 
John  A.  and  Susanna  (Miller)  Showalter.  He  received 
his  education  in  the  public  schools.  His  first  musical 
training  was  in  the  singing  schools  taught  by  his  father. 
When  but  a  lad  he  assisted  his  father  in  his  singing 
classes. 

In  1876  he  attended  his  first  normal  music  school  at 
JS'ew  Market,  Ya.,  conducted  by  Profs.  B.  C.  Unseld 
and  P.  J.  Merges.  He  then  taught  a  number  of  sing- 
ing schools,  and  later  attended  two  more  sessions  of 
the  same  school.  To  still  better  prepare  himself  for 
the  profession  he  attended  a  session  of  Dr.  Geo.  F. 
Root's  normal  at  Erie,  Pa.,  and  Dr.  H.  R.  Palmer's 
normal  at  Meadville,  Pa.  He  now  entered  the  music 
field  with  renewed  energy  and  enthusiasm,  teaching 
classes  and  conducting  normals  in  various  parts  of  the 
country. 

In  1880  Mr.  Showalter's  first  music  book,  "The 
Singing  School  Tribute,"  was  published.  In  1882  his 
"  Harmony  and  Composition  "  was  published,  the  first 
work  of  the  kind  by  a  Southern  author.  He  has 
published  two  other  works  on  the  same  subject  since, 
and  many  song  books.     In  1884  he  moved  to  Dalton, 

361 


362    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Ga.  Realizing  the  advantage  of  being  able  to  publish 
his  own  productions,  he  established  ^Yhat  has  developed 
into  The  A.  J.  Showalter  Company,  one  of  the  most 
thriving  publishing  houses  in  the  South. 

Mr.  Showalter  has  been  sole  author,  principal  author 
and  associate  author  of  about  sixty  books,  of  which 
more  than  two  million  copies  have  been  sold.  Among 
his  most  successful  books  perhaps  are  :  "  Class,  Choir 
and  Congregation,"  "  Work  and  AVorship,"  "  Glad 
Evangel,"  "  Perennial  Songs,"  "  Rudiments,"  "  Com- 
plete Rudiments,"  "  Song  Land  Messenger,"  "  Revival 
Choir,"  "  Highway  to  Heaven,"  "  Our  Thankful  Songs," 
"  Singing  for  Joy,"  "  Hymns  of  Glory,"  ''  Showalter's 
Gospel  Songs,  No.  3,"  "  Sweetest  Praise,"  "  Day  Dawn 
Songs,"  "  Onward  Songs,"  and  "  Revival  Glory)' 

Among  his  many  gospel  songs  none  are  more  popular 
than  "  Leaning  on  the  Everlasting  Arms."  This  song 
has  been  published  in  many  books,  and  sung  wherever 
the  story  of  Jesus  has  been  told. 

Mr.  Showalter  has  edited  The  Music  Teacher^  now 
The  Music  Teacher  and  Home  Magazine^  for  twenty- 
five  years.  He  has  held  sessions  of  his  Southern 
Normal  Musical  Institute  in  about  a  dozen  different 
states  and  many  teachers  of  the  South  and  Southwest 
have  attended  this  school. 

In  1895  he  availed  himself  of  the  opportunity  to  go 
to  Europe  with  an  excursion  party,  which  proved  to  be 
both  pleasant  and  profitable  to  him. 

In  1905  Professor  Showalter  directed  the  "all  day  sing- 
ing," a  feature  of  the  State  Fair  held  at  Atlanta,  Ga. 
A  chorus  of  several  hundred  voices  joined  in  rendering 
a  number  of  the  good  old  gospel  songs. 

While  writing  and  teaching  music  might  be  called 


A.  J.  SHOWALTER  363 

the  life-work  of  Professor  Sho waiter,  he  is  also  quite  a 
successful  business  man  with  diversified  interests.  He 
is  president  of  the  A.  J.  Showalter  Company,  Dalton, 
Ga.,  and  the  Sho  waiter-Pat  ton  Company,  Dallas, 
Texas.  He  is  also  treasurer  and  manager  of  the  Perry 
Brothers  Music  Company,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.  Besides 
his  musical  interests  he  is  vice-president  of  the  Cherokee 
Lumber  and  Manufacturing  Company  of  his  home 
town,  and  a  director  in  the  Interstate  Life  and  Acci- 
dent Company  of  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  also  a  trustee  of 
the  Georgia  Fruit  Exchange,  of  Atlanta,  Ga. 

He  finds  recreation  in  spending  some  time  in  look- 
ing after  his  farm  and  extensive  peach  orchards  near 
Dalton. 

In  1881  Mr.  Showalter  was  married  to  Miss  Callie 
Walser,  of  Texas.  They  reside  in  Dalton,  Ga.,  and 
have  seven  children,  some  of  Avhom  are  splendid  mu- 
sicians. He  is  an  active  member  in  the  Presbyterian 
church,  also  choir  leader  in  his  home  church. 

Professor  Showalter  has  made  the  most  of  his  opportu- 
nities, and  success  has  crowned  his  efforts.  "  There  is 
no  excellence  without  great  labor,"  and  his  work  shows 
for  itself  that  he  has  been  a  busy  man.  May  he  con- 
tinue to  render  service  in  sacred  song  that  will  help 
some  burdened  soul  to  "  Lean  on  the  Everlasting  Arms." 

Note. — Since  the  above  sketch  of  Mr.  Showalter  was  written,  there 
have  been  some  very  radical  changes  in  both  his  business  and  family 
relations. 


M 

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—J 

G.    B.    HOLSINGER. 


LXIII 

Geo.  B.  Holsinger 

MANY  of  our  greatest  and  grandest  men  in 
the  various  vocations  of  life  have  been 
reared  on  the  farm — men  of  thought,  char- 
acter, honor  and  high  ideals.  Thank  God  for  the 
noble  band  of  farmer  boys,  who  have  been  instru- 
mental in  helping  to  further  the  cause  of  putting  hu- 
manity on  a  higher  plane  of  usefulness.  The  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  one  of  those  noble  farmer  boys, 
whose  early  years  were  spent  on  his  father's  farm. 
Geo.  B.  Holsinger  was  born  May  10,  1857,  in  Bedford 
County,  Pa., — died  November  22,  1908,  in  Astoria,  111. 
Our  beloved  brother  was  fond  of  music  from  child- 
hood and  at  an  early  age  attended  singing  schools 
taught  by  Prof.  B.  H.  Everett.  His  first  musical  in- 
strument was  a  German  accordeon,  with  which  he 
spent  many  pleasant  hours.  Then  his  father  bought 
an  organ,  which  gave  much  additional  joy  to  the  young 
lad,  who  w^as  then  seventeen  years  of  age.  Every 
spare  moment — morning,  noon  and  evening — was  spent 
at  the  organ.  He  practiced  so  diligently  (and  without 
the  aid  of  a  teacher)  that  he  learned  to  play  any  Sun- 
day-school song,  hymn-tune,  or  anthem.  In  1876  a 
severe  accident  disabled  him  for  farm  work  and  he 
was  sent  to  a  normal  school  for  public  school  teachers. 
Afterwards  he  taught  school  for  some  years.  During 
this  time  he  conducted  singing  schools  at  many  places 

365 


366    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

in  the  county,  and  later  on  would  blush  at  the  thought 
of  the  kind  of  work  that  he  must  have  done.  A  little 
incident  Avorth  mentioning  threw  him  into  the  field  of 
musical  labor.  In  failing  to  prepare  and  to  perform 
satisfactorily  a  duty  in  a  literary  society,  it  was  sug- 
gested that  he  redeem  himself  by  singing  a  song  in- 
stead, which  was  so  well  received  that  then  and  there 
he  resolved  to  make  music  his  life-work.  In  a  few 
weeks  he  was  on  his  way  to  Dayton,  Ya.,  to  attend  a 
musical  normal  to  be  taught  by  Prof.  A.  S.  Kieffer 
and  others.  This  was  in  1881,  and  the  same  school 
was  attended  again  the  next  year,  taking  the  first  prize 
in  musical  composition  both  years. 

In  1882,  at  the  establishing  of  the  Bridgewater  Col- 
lege at  Bridgewater,  Ya.,  he  was  called  to  take  charge 
of  the  musical  department,  which  position  he  held  for 
sixteen  years.  In  1888  he  attended  one  of  the  most 
profitable  normals  of  his  educational  course.  It  was 
held  by  Profs.  B.  C.  Unseld  and  P.  J.  Merges.  He 
also  attended  normals  conducted  by  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Root 
and  Prof.  F.  W.  Root,  W.  H.  Pontius  and  J.  M.  Dun- 
gan.  Dr.  H.  R.  Palmer,  and  the  Philadelphia  Summer 
School  of  Music,  conducted  by  such  renowned  teachers 
as  W.  S.  B.  Mathews,  Wm.  Mason,  F.  W.  Root,  J.  C. 
Fillmore,  H.  A.  Clarke,  W.  H.  Sherwood,  C.  W. 
Landon,  and  others.  In  1894  and  1895,  during  the 
month  of  August,  were  held  sessions  of  the  Bridge- 
water  Summer  Music  School,  with  Professor  Unseld  as 
principal  and  Professor  Holsinger  taking  the  depart- 
ment of  piano,  organ  and  harmony. 

In  1898  he  was  selected  as  musical  editor  of  the 
Brethren  Publishing  House,  Elgin,  111.,  and  resigned 
his  position  at  the  college  to  accept  it.     His  new  duties 


GEO.  B.  HOLSINGER  307 

required  a  considerable  portion  of  his  time  in  the  West, 
but  he  continued  to  reside  in  Bridge  water.  Professor 
Ilolsinger  was  a  good  composer,  an  excellent  teacher, 
and  a  sweet  singer.  He  edited  or  assisted  in  editing  not 
less  than  ten  music  books.  Some  of  his  most  popular 
songs  are,  ''  Gathered  Home,"  "  At  the  Saviour's  Right 
Hand,"  and  ''  Steer  Straight  for  Me,  Father."  The  lat- 
ter, with  a  dozen  others,  are  published  in  sheet  form. 

In  1894  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Sallie 
A.  Kagey  of  Bridgewater,  a  devoted  Christian  woman 
of  fine  literary  ability.  Their  only  living  child  is 
Clyde  K.  Holsinger.  Brother  Holsinger  was  a  model 
Christian,  a  devoted  member  of  the  Church  of  the 
Brethren.  He  left  home  October  5,  1908  for  a  teach- 
ing tour  and  while  conducting  a  school  in  Astoria,  111., 
he  contracted  a  cold  which  quici^ly  developed  into 
pneumonia.  Tuesday  evening,  November  17th,  he  met 
his  class  for  the  last  time,  and  on  Sunday  following^ 
November  22d,  he  breathed  his  last.  His  body  was 
brought  back  home  for  burial  and  was  interred  on 
Thanksgiving  Day.  In  his  death  a  good  and  valuable 
man  is  gone,  but  our  loss  is  his  eternal  gain.  We  shall 
cherish  his  memory. 


MRS.   CARRIE  B.  ADAMS. 


LXIY 
Mrs.  Carrie  B.  Adams 

ONE  of  the  most  prolific  and  popular  composers 
of  sacred  music  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 
Mrs.  Adams  is  a  favorite  writer  among  choirs, 
and  the  natural  melodic  flow  and  harmonic  treatment 
w^hich  she  puts  into  her  music  greatly  appeals  to  them. 
Mrs.  Carrie  B.  (Wilson)  Adams  was  born  in  Oxford, 
Ohio,  July  28,  1859.  Her  father,  Mr.  David  Wil- 
son, was  author  of  a  number  of  songs  and  books,  also  a 
singing  teacher  of  note  in  his  day,  and  her  mother  was 
quite  musically  inclined.  This  naturally  made  an  at- 
tractive home  and  was  the  centre  of  a  circle  of  friends 
who  loved  to  sing.  Mrs.  Adams  was  early  associated 
with  her  father  and  his  close  friends.  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Eoot, 
Dr.  L.  O.  Emerson,  Dr.  H.  R.  Palmer  and  others,  in 
musical  conventions  and  institutes,  first  taking  her  place 
in  the  chorus  with  the  altos  at  the  age  of  seven  in  a 
convention  held  at  Millville,  Ohio,  under  the  direction 
of  Dr.  H.  R.  Palmer.  She  became  familiar  with  the 
choral  works  of  the  great  masters,  and  her  best  work 
as  director  and  composer  has  been  done  along  this  line. 
She  has  been  a  brilliant  pianist  and  accompanist  from 
her  girlhood  days.  Iler  ]:)reference  for  the  organ  has 
been  a  source  of  inspiration  in  her  chosen  work — that 
of  writing  music  for  the  average  church  choir,  in  which 
she  has  made  a  great  success. 

Her  experience  with  her  father  in  elementary  and 

369 


370    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

advanced  class  work,  in  children's  and  harmony  classes, 
her  years  of  musical  participation  in  solo  work  and  in 
accompanying,  in  the  organization  and  leadership,  not 
only  of  choirs,  but  also  of  great  choral  organizations, 
her  close  touch  with  singers  of  elementary  grade,  as 
well  as  those  of  great  skill  and  reputation,  have  given 
her  a  breadth  of  musical  thought  and  practical  power 
of  adaptation  that  constantly  enrich  her  work  of  com- 
position. 

Miss  Carrie  B.  Wilson  became  Mrs.  Allyn  G.  Adams 
in  1880,  and  soon  after  located  in  Terre  Haute,  Ind., 
where  her  husband  was  and  is  a  leading  bass  singer 
and  interested  in  large  commercial  enterprises.  Mrs. 
Adams  soon  became  a  leading  figure  in  the  musical  life 
of  that  enterprising  city,  and  has  been  actively  identi- 
fied with  the  Choral  Club,  Treble  Clef  Club,  Rose 
Polytechnic  Glee  Club,  First  Congregational  Church 
and  Central  Christian  Church  choirs,  as  director,  chor- 
ister and  organist.  From  1887  to  1895  she  occupied 
the  chair  of  music  in  the  Indiana  State  Normal  School. 

For  many  years  Mrs.  Adams  was  associated  Avith 
Prof.  ^Y.  T.  Giffe  in  institute  work,  also  composed 
anthems  for  his  Choir  Music  Journal.  She  has  also 
given  much  attention  to  music  in  the  public  schools. 

In  1901  "  The  Messiah  "  was  given  under  her  direc- 
tion by  a  chorus  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  voices,  with 
soloists  of  recognized  ability.  She  has  directed  a  num- 
ber of  other  great  and  important  works. 

Her  first  anthem  was  published  in  1876.  Among 
her  best  known  publications  are  four  anthem  books — 
"  Anthem  Annual,  Nos.  1  and  2,"  and  "  Royal  An- 
thems, Nos.  1  and  2  "  ;  "  Music  for  Common  Schools  • ' ; 
two  sacred  cantatas,  "Redeemer  and  King  "  and  "Easter 


MRS.  CAERIE  B.  ADAMS  371 

Praise  "  ;  an  operetta  for  church  and  school  use,  "  The 
National  Flower  "  ;  a  group  of  Shakespeare  songs  from 
''As  You  Like  it,"  and  a  large  number  of  anthems, 
male  choruses,  ladies'  quartets  and  miscellaneous 
pieces  in  octavo  form.  "  Remember  ^ow  Thy  Crea- 
tor "  is  a  favorite  with  high  school  choruses  as  well  as 
choirs.  An  arrangement  of  "  'Tis  Midnight  Hour," 
"  Merry  Girls  Are  We  "  and  "  The  Streamlet's  Song," 
are  popular  with  ladies'  quartets  or  choruses.  A  num- 
ber of  her  sacred  solos  and  songs  are  beautiful. 

Mrs.  Adams  writes  regularly  for  The  0/ioir  Her- 
ald^ published  by  Mr.  E.  S.  Lorenz.  She  has  almost 
completed  the  manuscript  for  a  Christmas  cantata  and 
compiled  an  anthem  book  this  season,  in  addition  to 
much  musical  work  of  a  local  character.  She  is  a  busy 
writer,  and  her  music  is  popular  and  is  doing  great 
good  in  the  world.  May  Mrs.  Adams  live  long  and 
continue  her  excellent  musical  work. 


MISS  JENNIE  WILSON. 


Miss  J 


LXY 
ennie  Wilson 


MANY  of  the  beautiful  soul-stirring  gospel 
hymns  that  have  cheered,  encouraged,  and 
blessed  a  great  multitude  of  hearts  have  been 
written  by  Miss  Jennie  Wilson,  of  South  Whitley,  Ind. 

It  is  a  blessed  privilege  and  deserving  of  honor  to 
tell  the  "  old,  old  story  "  in  verse  and  song,  and  thus 
inspire  the  armies  of  salvation  to  conquer  the  world 
for  Jesus.  Miss  Wilson's  work  is  of  unusual  interest, 
not  only  by  its  extent  and  quality,  but  for  the  extraor- 
dinary conditions  under  which  it  has  been  produced. 
She  is  an  invalid,  having  been  lame  from  childhood, 
yet  her  whole  life  has  been  a  bright  example  of  talent, 
which  she  has  used  in  the  Master's  service. 

For  a  number  of  years  the  name  of  Jennie  Wilson 
has  been  a  familiar  one  among  singers  and  song  writers 
as  a  composer  of  gospel  hymns.  Yet  there  are  but 
few  who  know  that  she  is  the  occupant  of  an  invalid's 
wheel-chair.  She  was  born  near  South  Whitley,  on  the 
farm  where  she  now  resides  in  the  family  of  her  sister, 
Mrs.  J.  Ulrey.  Her  father  died  in  her  infancy.  When 
she  was  about  four  years  old,  an  attack  of  spinal 
trouble  resulted  in  rendering  her  an  invalid. 

Not  being  able  to  attend  school,  she  studied  at  home, 
read  much  and  received  some  musical  instruction.  A 
natural  love  for  music  and  poetry  early  led  her  to  verse 
writing.     Her  first  poems  appeared  in  a  local  paper. 

373 


374    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Later,  through  the  infiuence  of  Rev.  J.  D.  Coverstone, 
she  sent  hymns  to  a  publication  in  Dayton,  Ohio.  These 
attracted  the  attention  of  music  writers,  by  whom  she 
was  invited  to  write  hymns  to  be  set  to  music. 

Miss  AYilson's  first  hymn  was  entitled,  "All  the 
Way,"  and,  not  knowing  of  its  publication,  she  was 
pleasantly  surprised  Avhen  it  was  found  in  new  song 
books  purchased  by  a  Sunday-school  in  her  neighbor- 
hood. Miss  Jennie  Wilson  has  written  twenty -two 
h  undred  poems.  Among  the  most  useful  and  popular 
of  these  the  following  may  be  mentioned:  "Beautiful 
City  of  Peace,"  "Precious  Golden  Grain,"  "Jesus  is 
Calling  the  Children,"  etc.,  set  to  music  by  Wm.  J. 
Kirkpatrick.  We  also  mention,  "  There  AVill  be  Light 
at  the  River,"  "  Is  it  Well  with  Your  Soul  V  "  "  Listen 
to  the  Spirit's  Call,"  "  Go  Forth  to  the  Battlefield," 
"  I've  No  Other  Place  to  Go,"  "  Christ  is  Calling  You 
To-night,"  and  "  Mercy's  Door  is  Always  Open."  Miss 
Wilson  has  been  assured  that  several  of  these  hymns 
have  been  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  many  souls. 
"  Answer  '  Yes  '  to  the  Spirit,"  "  In  the  Light  of  Eter- 
nity," and  "  Hold  the  Lamp  of  Life  Aloft,"  set  to  mu- 
sic by  E.  S.  Lorenz,  are  also  quite  popular. 

Miss  Wilson  shows  no  trace  of  invalidism  in  her 
literary  work.  One  of  her  poems  entitled,  "  A  Mem- 
ory Picture,"  is  an  exception.  It  refers  to  scenery 
near  the  old  home,  and  alludes  to  memories  of  the 
time  when  she  could  walk.  During  the  summer  season 
she  attends  the  Bible  conferences  at  Winona  Lake, 
Ind.,  and  other  places,  which  affords  her  great  spiritual 
enjoyment. 

Her  mother  died  in  1002.  Her  grave  is  marked  by 
a  monument  bearing  the  following  verse  written  by 


MISS  JENNIE  WILSON  375 

the  invalid  daughter  to  whom  she  had  given  years  of 
devoted  care : 

"  After  her  long  life  journey 
Cometh  death's  dreamless  sleep  ; 
Over  her  rest  may  angels 
Ever  a  foud  watch  keep." 

Miss  Wilson  is  a  tine  exemplification  of  the  power  of 
divine  grace,  having  passed  througli  the  ordeal  of  suf- 
fering and  come  out  of  it  a  spiritualized  and  refined 
nature,  and  with  a  talent  which  has  become  a  blessing. 
She  is  a  small  woman,  only  five  feet  in  height,  and  seems 
still  smaller  in  her  chair.  But  her  sunny  nature  and 
gentle,  intellectual  face  would  win  friends  anywhere. 

She  was  baptized  in  1881,  being  carried  on  a  chair 
into  a  beautiful  tree-shaded  stream,  and,  in  her  words  : 
''  It  gave  me  much  joy  to  thus  confess  my  dear  Sa- 
viour." Miss  Wilson  has  tuned  her  heart  to  the  strains 
of  praise  and  thanksgiving  and  Christian  cheer  and  in- 
vitation, has  all  unconsciously  been  made  the  instrument 
to  win  many  precious  souls  from  sin  to  righteousness. 
In  one  of  her  own  verses,  she  voices  the  longing  for 
that  larger  freedom  which  will  be  hers  some  day  : 

^'  But  in  the  land  more  fair  than  day, 
From  bondage  free,  I  hope  to  stray 

By  life's  pellucid  river, 
The  sunny  hills  of  heaven  climb, 
And  through  God's  balmy  summertime, 

Kange  joyously  forever. ' ' 

Note, — Soon  after  the  above  sketch  was  written,  Miss  Wilson 
passed  to  the  "■  Great  Beyond.''^  Her  death  occurred  September  3, 
1913,  in  her  fifty-sixth  year. 

Her  sweet  and  devoted  Christian  life,  and  her  many  beautiful 
hymns,  should  erect  to  her  memory  an  enduring  monument. 


^r^ 

H^V' 

^^^^^^^^^^BKwV;. ■;...-'           /    ■■   •**..'— ^?^^^^^^»M^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B 

H.  N.   LINCOLN. 


LXYI 

H.  N.  Lincoln 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Horace  Neely  Lin- 
coln, was  born  May  14,  1859,  in  Mexico, 
Audrain  County,  Mo.,  where  his  childhood 
to  the  age  of  seven  was  spent  with  the  family  of  his 
parents,  Mr.  James  and  Mrs.  Emaline  Lincoln.  In  the 
fall  of  1866  they  all  "  embarked  "  in  covered  wagons 
for  Texas,  in  company  with  a  large  caravan  of  immi- 
grants (there  being  no  such  convenience  as  railroad 
travel  in  that  country  at  this  time).  Only  those  who 
have  had  similar  experience  can  appreciate  the  old- 
fashioned  overland  trip. 

In  due  course  of  time  the  Lincoln  family  were  intro- 
duced to  the  savage  wilds  of  Texas.  At  the  age  of  ten 
years,  Horace  attended  his  first  singing  school,  taught 
by  Mr.  James  M.  Jolley,  of  MississipjH.  He  showed 
evidences  of  musical  talent  and  soon  had  the  distinction 
of  being  the  boy  singer  of  the  country  for  miles  around. 
He  attended  other  singing  schools  taught  by  Mr.  J.  M. 
Deavors,  and  still  later  was  a  real  earnest  student  of 
Mr.  L.  B.  Shook,  who  had  studied  with  Mr.  P.  P.  Bliss. 
In  1880  he  taught  his  first  singing  class  in  his  old 
neighborhood  schoolhouse.  Later  in  the  year  he  at- 
tended his  first  normal  music  school,  taught  at  Mountain 
Home,  Bell  County  (the  present  site  of  Holland).  This 
normal  was  conducted  by  Prof.  L.  B.  Shook  and  Prof. 
John  McPherson  of  Illinois. 

377 


378    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WAITERS 

These  days  were  the  beginning  of  the  musical  era  of 
the  Southwest.  In  rapid  succession  after  this  school, 
Mr.  Lincoln  taught  many  singing  schools  in  all  parts  of 
Texas,  and  soon  had  a  number  of  bright  students  in  the 
new  but  fertile  musical  field  and  the  cause  of  sacred 
song  waxed  strong.  In  1885  appeared  Mr.  Lincoln's 
first  song  book  entitled  "  Gospel  Carols.''  Several 
thousand  copies  of  this  book  were  sold,  but  the  first 
real  successful  book  of  which  he  was  author  was 
"  Songland  Messenger,"  which  sold  b}^  the  tens  of  thou- 
sands. But  the  most  successful  of  all  books  in  the 
point  of  circulation  of  which  he  is  author  is  "  Songland 
Melodies,"  which  has  reached  the  sale  of  several  hun- 
dred thousand  copies.  He  is  author  of  more  than  a 
dozen  very  successful  books. 

On  September  4:,  1887,  Mr.  Lincoln  was  wedded  to 
Miss  Etta  Lee  Thurmand,  a  lady  who  has  helped  and 
encouraged  him  all  along  in  his  work. 

Mr.  Lincoln  may  be  easily  termed  the  pioneer 
teacher,  singer  and  author  of  any  note  in  the  Southwest, 
but  now  this  great  section  is  literally  swarming  with 
singing  school  teachers  and  evangelistic  singers. 

He  graduated  in  1898  under  Dr.  H.  S.  Perkins  in  the 
Chicago  National  College  of  Music.  In  1906  he  took 
a  post-graduate  course  under  the  late  Dr,  H.  R.  Palmer, 
of  New  York  City. 

Mr.  Lincoln  has  accomplished  a  vast  amount  of 
work  in  laying  a  foundation  for  musical  development 
in  the  great  state  of  Texas.  He  has  written  a  great 
number  of  both  sacred  and  secular  songs ;  perhaps 
among  his  most  useful  and  popular  sacred  songs  are  : 
"  The  Lost  Soul's  Lament,"  "  Satan's  Lullaby,"  "  The 
Beacon  Light,"  "Let  Jesus  Beign,"  "  Meet   Me  Over 


H.  N.  LINCOLN  3Y9 

There,"  "  When  the  Light  Breaks  Through,"  and  "The 
Music  of  His  Voice."  He  has  written  a  great  many 
other  useful  gospel  songs,  many  of  which  are  especially 
good  as  solos  or  quartets. 

Mr.  Lincoln  has  a  pleasant  home  in  Dallas,  Texas, 
where  he  resides  with  his  interesting  family.  He  is 
president  of  the  Songland  Music  Company,  and  of  The 
World's  Normal  Music  College,  both  of  which  are  in- 
corporated. He  is  yet  in  the  prime  of  his  usefulness 
and  much  more  may  be  expected  from  him.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Dallas,  of 
which  Geo.  W.  Truett  is  the  pastor.  Let  the  good 
work  go  on ;  "  for  it  is  good  to  sing  praises  unto  our 
God  ;  for  it  is  pleasant ;  and  praise  is  comely." 


C.   D.   TILLMAN. 


LXYII 
Charlie  D.  Tillman 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Charlie  D.  TiUman, 
was  born  March  20,  1801,  at  Tallassee,  Ala. 
His  parents  were  consecrated  Christians,  and 
travelled  a  great  deal  holding  evangelistic  meetings. 
Charlie  had  but  few  advantages  for  either  a  literary  or 
musical  education.  He  was  extremely  fond  of  music 
from  childhood,  and  by  his  study  and  practice  he  has 
made  quite  a  success  in  the  music  business.  When  but 
a  mere  lad  he  led  the  music  in  the  meetings  which  his 
parents  held  in  the  rural  districts  of  North  Carolina, 
but  he  soon  became  tired  of  the  work  and  gave  it  up. 
Then  after  two  years  of  house  and  sign  painting,  giving 
concerts,  and  putting  in  a  little  time  on  one  of  the 
Wizard  Oil  Carriages  as  singer  of  comic  songs  and 
second  tenor  in  a  male  quartet,  he  secured  a  position  as 
travelling  salesman  for  a  music  house  in  Raleigh,  JST.  C. 
He  proved  to  be  a  good  salesman,  and  on  one  occasion 
he  made  a  sale  to  a  man  whose  dwelling  was  not  worth 
as  much  as  the  organ  which  he  sold  him.  After  fol- 
lowing this  work  for  some  time,  he  again  joined  his 
parents  in  the  evangelistic  work. 

By  this  time  he  could  play  his  own  accompaniments 
and  do  solo  singing  which  was  highly  complimented 
and  greatly  encouraged  him  in  the  work.  Mr.  Tilhnan 
now  felt  and  realized  the  power  of  gospel  song  as  he 
had  never  realized  it  before.     With  renewed  zeal  and 

381 


382    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

spiritual  interest  he  fully  resolved  to  spend  his  life  in 
the  evangelistic  field  in  both  sermon  and  song.  He 
now  realized  that  he  needed  a  song  booli  for  revivals, 
and  his  first  attempt  in  this  line  was  a  small  booklet  of 
thirty-two  pages  in  character  notes.  He  soon  added  to 
this  thirty-two  pages  more.  He  then  began  editing 
and  publishing  his  series  of  revival  song  books,  the 
sale  of  which  has  now  gone  considerably  over  a  mil- 
lion copies.  In  1908  he  brought  out  "  Sunday-School 
and  Revival,"  a  book  whose  sales  are  already  near- 
ing  the  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  mark.  Mr. 
Tillman  has  edited  a  dozen  or  more  books.  Among  his 
most  popular  and  widely  known  gospel  songs  are  the 
following :  "  My  Mother's  Bible,"  "  Life's  Railway  to 
Heaven,"  "  Save  One  Soul  for  Jesus, "  "  Ready  for 
Service,"  "The  Spirit  is  Calling,"  and  "Old  Time 
Power." 

Mr.  Tillman  married  Miss  Annie  Killingsw^orth,  a 
lady  who  has  ever  been  a  faithful  helpmate.  They  re- 
side in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  where  they  have  a  pleasant  home 
and  an  interesting  family.  Mr.  Tillman  does  a  thriving 
publishing  business  in  connection  wdth  his  evangelistic 
work. 

Long  may  he  live  and  continue  to  help  spread  the 
name  of  Jesus  in  the  world  in  sermon  and  song. 


MISS   IDA  L.    REED. 


LXYIII 

Miss  Ida  L.  Reed 

IDA  L.  REED  was  born  November  30,  1865,  near 
Philippi,  Barbour  County,  W.  Ya.  She  had  but 
few  educational  advantages  in  childhood,  but  she 
was  quite  studious,  and  would  spend  many  of  her  play 
hours  reading,  for  she  loved  it  more  than  play.  Fortu- 
nately for  her,  she  had  access  to  many  papers,  journals 
and  magazines,  which  she  read  with  great  pleasure  and 
profit.  When  she  was  seventeen  years  of  age,  she 
passed  her  first  examination  and  received  a  first- 
grade  certificate.  She  then  taught  school  for  several 
years,  but  on  account  of  sickness  she  had  to  finally 
give  up  school-teaching.  Later  she  attended  school  for 
a  time  at  Lebanon,  Ohio. 

But  He  who  directs  our  ways  had  a  more  important 
work  than  teaching  school  for  Miss  Reed,  namely,  that 
of  writing  gospel  poems,  for  the  Gospel  in  song  is  one 
of  the  helps  in  evangelizing  the  world.  So  she  fully 
resigned  and  consecrated  herself  to  the  Master's  work. 

She  began  writing  hymns  in  her  twentieth  year,  and 
has  composed  some  of  the  most  helpful  hymns  that  are 
to  be  found  in  the  gospel  song  books  of  the  present  day, 
and  seem  to  continue  to  grow  in  popularity.  Her 
father  died  in  1892  ;  this  necessitated  her  to  look  after 
the  farm  as  well  as  to  care  for  her  mother,  which  she 
did  faithfully  and  loyally  until  the  death  of  her  mother 
in  1906. 

385 


386    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

During  all  these  ^^ears  of  toil  she  would  compose 
hymns,  recitations,  exercises  for  Sunday-schools,  etc., 
while  her  hands  were  busy  Avith  other  tasks. 

Miss  Reed  is  a  very  prolific  composer  ;  with  all  the 
burdens  and  cares  of  her  life,  besides  ill  health,  she  has 
written  more  than  two  thousand  hymns,  cantatas,  etc., 
etc.,  which  have  been  Avidely  published  in  the  books 
used  by  different  denominations.  Her  hymns  that  have 
become  most  popular  are :  "  I  Belong  to  the  King," 
"  I  Cannot  Drift  Beyond  Thy  Love,"  "  Somebody  Is 
Praying  for  You,"  "  Speak  O  Lord,"  "  The  Father's 
Love,"  '^  Blessed  Hiding,"  "  He  Knoweth  Thy  Grief," 
and  many  others  have  been  used  to  His  glory. 

She  loves  her  work  and  her  highest  aim  and  deepest 
heart  longing,  her  one  constant  prayer,  is  that  she  may 
be  able  to  make  her  work  a  power  for  good,  strong 
enough  to  win  souls  to  God  from  their  wanderings  and 
help  them  to  come  into  the  full  light  of  His  peace  and 
love. 

After  the  death  of  her  mother  she  moved  to  her 
home  town,  Philippi,  where  she  now  resides.  During 
these  years  she  has  lived  by  herself,  practicalh^  shut  in 
from  the  world,  owing  to  frail  health.  Miss  Reed  is  a 
most  devoted  and  consecrated  Christian  lady,  patient, 
kind  and  always  thankful  for  the  kindnesses  shown  her 
by  her  friends.  She  says,  "  He  who  has  been  so  faith- 
ful through  all  my  yesterdays  will  not  fail  me  through 
my  to-morrows."  May  Miss  Reed  be  permitted  to 
write  many  more  sweet  inspiring  gospel  poems  for  the 
betterment  of  mankind. 


J.    LINCOLN   HALL. 


J 


LXIX 
Lincoln  Hall 


THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Joseph  Lincoln  Hall, 
was  born  in  Philadelphia,  November  4,  1866. 
His  parents,  Joseph  M.  and  Barbara  Hall, 
were  musicians  of  considerable  merit,  and  from  them 
the  son  inherited  his  musical  talent  and  was  very  fond 
of  music.  He  had  the  usual  routine  of  public  school 
life  in  his  youthful  days.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  years 
he  was  appointed  choir  master  of  a  choir  of  over  one 
hundred  members,  and  he  led  this  choir  successfully  for 
over  ten  years. 

Mr.  Hall  was  graduated  in  music  with  high  honors 
from  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  studying  music 
under  Dr.  H.  A.  Clarice.  He  studied  harmony,  counter- 
point, fugue  and  orchestration  ;  and  for  a  graduating 
thesis  composed  a  Mass,  in  D,  orchestrated  for  the  full 
orchestra. 

He  is  also  an  alumnus  of  Harriman  University,  from 
which  university  he  received  the  degree  of  Mus.  Doc. 
He  is  truly  an  educated  musician. 

Mr.  Hall  has  been  director  of  music  at  a  number  of 
the  great  carap-meetings  of  which  I  mention  the  follow- 
ing :  Chester  Heights,  Pa.,  Pawlinsville,  Pa.,  Waterloo, 
Ohio,  and  LandisviUe,  Pa.  He  has  led  the  large  chorus 
at  Pitman  Grove  and  is  conductor  of  music  at  Gaines- 
ville Bible  Conference,  Gainesville,  Fla.  He  has  con- 
ducted large  choruses  in  various  parts  of  the  country 

389 


390    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

and  his  services  are  in  great  demand  for  large  choruses 
and  congregations  throughout  tlie  country.  Mr,  Hall 
was  selected  to  lead  the  singing  at  Ocean  Grove  camp- 
meeting  for  the  season  of  1910. 

But  it  is  with  J.  Lincoln  Hall  as  a  composer  that  we 
have  to  deal  mostly  in  this  sketch.  Mr.  Hall  is  many- 
sided  in  his  writing  and  has  written  everything  in  the 
music  line  from  an  oratorio  in  the  classic  style  to  a 
simple  gospel  song.  Some  of  his  most  popular  composi- 
tions are :  "  The  Shepherd  King,"  an  oratorio  ;  "  From 
Cross  to  Crown,"  a  cantata  ;  and  ''  Prophecy  and  Ful- 
fillment," a  cantata.  He  has  written  many  anthems 
for  the  choir  that  have  had  immense  sales ;  such  as, 
"  As  the  Hart,"  "  Hail  King  of  Glory,"  "  Wake,  O 
Judean  Land,"  and  over  fifty  other  popular  anthems 
that  are  in  print. 

Mr.  Hall  has  written  a  great  many  gospel  and  Sun- 
day-school songs  ;  among  the  most  popular  of  these  are  : 
"  Does  Jesus  Care,"  "  Some  of  These  Days,"  "  Victory," 
"  Looking  Beyond,"  "  The  Banner  of  the  King," 
"^  Working  for  Jesus,"  etc.  He  has  also  edited  a  great 
many  gospel  song  books,  some  of  which  have  reached 
an  enormous  sale.  ''  Voice  of  Praise,"  "  Voice  of  Praise, 
No.  2,"  "  Service  of  Praise,"  "  Boundless  Love,"  and 
the  "New  Songs  of  the  Gospel"  series  have  been 
among  the  most  successful  of  these  books.  His  services 
for  various  occasions  have  been  in  great  demand  for 
the  past  fifteen  years. 

Mr.  Hall  does  a  thriving  publishing  business  in  Phil- 
adelphia, under  the  firm  name  of  Hall-Mack  Company. 

In  1896  Mr.  Hall  married  Miss  Eva  Withington,  of 
Philadelphia,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Margaret  With- 
ington.    They  reside  in  Philadelphia. 


J.  LINCOLN  HALL  391 

Dr.  Hall  is  still  a  young  man  and  has  before  him 
many  years  of  usefulness.  As  a  writer,  as  a  singer 
gifted  with  a  beautiful  tenor  voice,  as  a  theorist,  as  a 
teacher,  and  as  an  organist,  he  is  in  the  front  rank  and 
is  in  oreat  demand. 


J.  S.   FEARIS. 


LXX 
J.  S.  Fearis 

JOHJSr  S.  FEAKIS  was  born  in  Kichland,  Iowa, 
February  5,  1867.  His  father  was  a  successful 
singing  school  teacher,  as  well  as  a  painter  by 
trade.  The  son  learned  to  read  music  in  his  father's 
classes  when  but  a  small  boy.  He  was  passionately 
fond  of  music  and  took  lessons  on  the  reed  organ,  and 
was  soon  able  to  play  in  Sunday-school  and  church. 
Later  he  took  charge  of  the  church  choir,  and  also 
taught  singing  classes  in  the  neighboring  towns  and 
country  schoolhouses.  In  the  summer  season  he  would 
join  his  father  in  house  painting.  He  studied  and 
practiced  music  diligently  at  every  opportunity,  and 
soon  was  able  to  give  lessons  on  the  organ  and  in  sing- 
ing. He  now  fully  decided  to  make  music  his  life- 
work.  When  a  mere  boy  his  talent  and  inclination 
for  musical  composition  were  quite  decided.  His  first 
song,  a  hymn-tune,  was  published  when  he  was  sixteen 
years  of  age. 

He  kept  up  his  work  of  teaching  and  after  a  time 
joined  two  other  men  in  conducting  musical  conventions 
in  various  parts  of  the  country.  This  work  was  con- 
tinued for  several  years,  and  success  crowned  their 
efforts.  While  in  this  work,  Mr.  Fearis  did  consider- 
able writing,  and  Mr.  Alfred  Beirly,  of  Chicago,  pub- 
lished an  anthem  for  him  in  his   Choir  Serial.     This 

393 


304    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

was  soon  followed  by  other  church  music,  and  he  finally 
accepted  an  offer  made  by  Mr.  Beirly  and  located  in 
Chicago,  where  he  has  been  a  busy  man  ever  since. 

Mr.  Fearis  is  an  excellent  composer  of  all  styles  of 
composition — gospel  songs,  anthems  and  secular  songs. 
He  is  on  the  editorial  staff  of  the  C%oir  Leader^  pub- 
lished by  The  Lorenz  Publishing  Company,  of  Dayton, 
Ohio. 

He  has  also  written  a  great  deal  of  piano  and  organ 
music,  especially  teaching  pieces,  as  he  has  a  knack  of 
making  easy  pieces  sound  well.  Of  late  years  he  has 
studied  harmony  and  composition  under  Adolph 
Weidig,  which  has  developed  a  wide  range  in  musical 
composition.  Mr.  Fearis  is  doing  quite  a  publishing 
business  in  the  line  of  octavo  anthems,  male  quartets, 
ladies'  quartets,  and  solos  in  sheet  form. 

He  has  written  man}^  beautiful  gospel  songs.  Per- 
haps among  his  most  popular  are  :  "  Beautiful  Isle  of 
Somewhere,"  "  Songs  in  the  Night,"  "  The  Promise 
Made  to  Mother,"  *'  Wherever  He  Leads  Me  I'll  Go," 
and  "  Show  Me  the  Way,  My  Shepherd." 

While  Mr.  Fearis  devotes  much  of  his  time  to  writ- 
ing and  publishing,  yet  he  finds  time  to  do  some 
teaching  and  also  conducts  some  of  the  choral  societies 
of  the  city. 

May  health  and  strength  be  his  for  many  years  to 
come  in  the  service  of  song,  and  may  his  work  influence 
thousands  to  strive  for  that  "  Beautiful  Isle  of  Some- 
where." 


W.  E.  M.  HACKLEMAN. 


LXXI 

W.  E.  M.  Hackleman 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch  has  not  only  achieved 
success  as  a  composer  and  publisher  of  gospel 
songs,  but  also  as  a  leader  and  singer. 

W.  E.  M.  Hackleman  was  born  February  28,  1868. 
He  spent  his  youthful  days  tilling  the  soil  of  an  Indiana 
farm.  He  attended  the  district  and  other  schools,  also 
singing  schools.  He  made  rapid  progress  in  his  musical 
studies,  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  began  teaching 
singing  classes  and  leading  the  singing  in  meetings,  also 
sang  solos.  Later  on  he  taught  public  school  for  four 
years. 

To  make  a  more  thorough  preparation  for  his  life- 
work  he  studied  in  the  Toronto  Conservatory  of  Music, 
Toronto,  Canada.  He  also  studied  under  private 
teachers  in  Kew  York  City. 

Since  that  time  he  has  been  busy  composing,  editing 
song  books,  and  leading  the  music  in  State  and  National 
Conventions  of  the  Christian  Church.  He  has  led  the 
music  in  meetings  in  Boston,  New  York,  Philadelphia, 
Pittsburgh,  Cincinnati,  Chicago,  St.  Louis,  Des  Moines, 
Louisville,  Memphis,  Washington,  D.  C,  Indianapolis, 
and  many  other  large  centres.  He  led  the  music  of 
communion  service.  Centennial  Convention,  Pittsburgh, 
in  which  30,000  people  joined  in  singing  "  as  with  one 
mighty  voice." 

397 


398    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

In  1899  Mr.  Hackleman  married  Miss  Pearl  Damie 
Conner,  the  accomplished  daughter  of  Rev.  A.  W. 
Conner.     They  reside  in  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Mr.  Hackleman  is  president  of  the  National  Asso- 
ciation of  Church  Musicians,  and  through  this  is  lend- 
ing a  helping  hand  to  many  competent  and  worthy 
singers.  He  was  secretary  of  the  Indiana  Missionary 
Society  for  five  years,  and  for  the  past  three  years  has 
been  secretary  of  Bethany  Assembly. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Hackleman  Music 
Company,  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  and  is  editor  or  co-editor 
of  some  twenty-five  books,  including  "  Gloria  In 
Excelsis,"  a  church  hymnal.  He  considers  this  his 
best  work.  His  song  books  cover  the  different  depart- 
ments of  church  work.  His  hymnological  library  is 
said  to  be  one  of  the  largest  and  best  in  the  country. 
Hymnody  is  his  hobby  and  upon  that  subject  he  is 
well-nigh  an  authority.  Among  his  most  useful  gospel 
songs  are  :  "  Drifting  Down,"  "  Saved  By  Mother's 
Prayer,"  "  This  Way,  Papa,"  "  What  Will  You  Do  with 
Jesus?"  "Who  Cares  for  a  Soul?"  "The  Wondrous 
Cross,"  etc. 

Mr.  Hackleman  is  doing  excellent  work  for  the  good 
of  humanity.  May  he  live  long  and  write  many  more 
gospel  songs  that  will  cheer  and  encourage  some  heart 
to  live  on  "  higher  ground." 


GRANT  C.  TULLAR. 


LXXII 

Grant  C.  Tullar 

GRANT  COLFAX  TULLAK  was  bom  in  Bol- 
ton, Tolland  County,  Conn.,  August  5,  1869. 
His  father  had  been  incapacitated  for  active 
work  through  injuries  received  at  the  battle  of  Antie- 
tam.  His  mother  died  when  he  was  two  years  old, 
leaving  a  family  of  nine  children.  On  the  day  of  her 
burial  the  family  was  scattered,  never  to  be  together  as 
a  family  again.  Grant  had  no  settled  home  after  that 
day  till  he  had  become  a  man  and  had  one  of  his  own, 
but  he  lived  a  few  months  or  a  few  years  in  a  place, 
having  practically  no  educational  advantages,  no  re- 
ligious or  home  training,  and  at  the  age  of  ten  began 
to  earn  his  own  way  by  working  in  a  woolen  mill. 
For  the  next  few  years  he  had  a  very  checkered  career, 
suffering  the  usual  privations  of  the  homeless,  friendless 
waif. 

After  ^vorking  a  few  months  at  the  mill,  he  went  to 
Hartford,  Conn.,  where  he  secured  a  job  as  errand  boy 
in  a  shoe  store.  This  job  he  held  for  two  and  a  half 
years,  rising  to  the  position  of  bookkeeper.  He  then 
accepted  a  position  in  a  wholesale  shoe-house  in  Boston, 
Mass.,  and  after  spending  a  few  months  in  that  city, 
he  went  to  Waterbury,  Conn.  He  was  now  nineteen 
years  of  age,  and  while  attending  a  meeting,  was 
led  to  Christ  through  the  earnest  consecrated  effort  of 
Mrs.  H.  F.  Conrad,  of  that  city,  and  with  the  new  life 

401 


402    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

opened  before  him  everything  changed  for  the  better, 
''  old  things  passed  away  and  behold  all  things  became 
new."  He  felt  that  he  had  a  call  to  religious  work 
and  at  twenty  years  of  age  he  entered  Hackettstown 
Academy,  New  Jersey. 

After  two  years  of  hard  study  he  was  compelled  to 
give  up  the  course  on  account  of  poor  health.  During 
these  two  years  special  talent  was  shown  along  gospel 
hymn  lines,  which  was  destined  to  be  developed  by 
practical  work  in  the  evangelistic  field  into  which  he 
was  led  during  the  succeeding  years. 

Mr.  TuUar  has  preached  the  Gospel  in  sermon  and  in 
song  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States  and  Canada,  also 
in  many  other  parts  of  the  w^orld.  In  1893,  in  associa- 
tion with  Mr.  I.  H.  Meredith,  formed  the  Tullar-Mer- 
edith  Company,  whose  publications  are  now  well 
known  wherever  gospel  songs  are  sung.  These  gentle- 
men are  also  associated  in  evangelistic  work. 

In  1898  Mr.  Tullar  married  Miss  Anna  Belle  Woods, 
at  Aledo,  111. ;  they  reside  at  East  Orange,  N.  J. 

Among  the  numerous  songs  which  Mr.  Tullar  has 
given  to  the  world  in  recent  years  probably  the  best 
known  are :  "  Face  to  Face,"  "  Nailed  to  the  Cross," 
"Forward"  and  "He  Did  Not  Die  in  Tain."  The 
books  which  he  has  been  associated  in  editing  are  as 
follows :  "Sermons  in  Song,"  "  Sunday-School  Hymns,'' 
"  The  Bible  School  Hymnal,"  "  The  Sacrifice  of  Braise,"' 
"  Children's  Praise,"  "  Songs  Sacred  and  Secular,"  a 
book  for  male  voices,  "  The  American  Songster," 
"  Hymns  of  Worship  and  Praise  "  and  "  ^lanly  Songs 
for  Christian  Men."  All  the  above  works  are  pub- 
lished by  the  Tullar-Meredith  Company,  of  New  York 
City. 


GRANT  C.  TULLAR  403 

Mr.  TuUar  is  doing  good  work  in  tiie  Master's  vine- 
yard, both  preaching  and  singing  the  Gospel  with  tell- 
ing effect.  May  he  live  long  and  continue  to  reap  for 
Him  who  has  invited  the  world  to  come  unto  Him  and 
be  saved. 


I.  H.  MEREDITH. 


LXXIII 
I.  H.  Meredith 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  Isaac  H.  Meredith, 
was  born  at  Korristown,  Pa.,  March  21,  1872. 
His  parents  were  both  born  in  England  and  in 
early  manhood  his  father  played  the  violin  and  his 
mother  sang  in  the  choir.  His  father's  reverent  love 
of  music  he  considers  his  greatest  musical  heritage,  and 
the  singing  of  old  English  carols  by  his  father  and 
mother  to  the  accompaniment  of  the  violin  are  among 
the  most  blessed  memories  of  his  early  childhood. 
Before  he  was  ten  years  of  age  he  began  taking  organ 
lessons  from  a  local  teacher  and  these  continued  for 
several  years.  He  sang  alto  in  the  church  choir  before 
he  was  twelve  and  at  thirteen  he  was  converted 
through  the  personal  invitation  of  his  brother,  B.  F. 
Meredith,  now  a  Methodist  clergyman.  Almost  imme- 
diately after  his  conversion  he  felt  a  definite  call  to 
the  ministry  of  sacred  song.  He  spoke  little  of  this  to 
any  one  but  kept  it  as  a  treasure  in  his  own  heart,  feel- 
ing assured  that  God  would  eventually  lead  him  into 
the  work  if  such  was  His  will.  Even  in  these  early 
boyhood  days  he  sang  gospel  songs  with  much  tender- 
ness and  power.  At  twelve  he  became  organist  of  the 
local  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and  played  continuously  for  the  as- 
sociation until  his  entrance  into  evangelistic  work  at 
the  age  of  nineteen. 

After  his  conversion  he  sang  for  a  number  of  years 
405 


406    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

each  Sunday  morning  to  the  prisoners  at  the  county 
jail.  In  the  summer  of  1891  he  went  to  Ocean  Grove, 
N.  J.,  to  spend  his  vacation  and  while  there  met  Prof. 
J.  J.  Lowe,  who  was  then  singing  with  Dr.  Munhall, 
the  well-known  evangelist.  Mr.  Lowe  invited  him  to 
j^lay  for  him  in  the  evening  and  while  the  service  was 
proceeding  asked  him  to  sing  a  solo  at  tlie  close  of  the 
sermon.  This  he  did,  singing  Sankey's  ''When  the 
Mists  Have  Rolled  Away."  This  was  so  well  received 
that  it  led  to  an  arrangement  with  Rev.  G.  L.  Barker, 
who  was  leading  the  Young  People's  meeting  that 
year,  to  enter  evangelistic  work  with  him  as  his  singer. 
This  was  towards  the  last  of  August,  and  early  in  Sep- 
tember he  began  his  first  engagement  at  South  River, 
N.  J.  Soon  after  his  entrance  into  evangelistic  work 
he  began  composing  gospel  songs  and  his  early  efforts 
were  purchased  by  Sankey,  Excell,  Bilhorn  and  others. 
Finally  he  began  to  publish  his  own  music,  uniting 
with  Mr.  Grant  C.  TuUar,  who  was  also  in  evangelistic 
work,  and  the  Tullar-Meredith  Company,  New  York 
and  Chicago,  is  the  outgrowth  of  this  union. 

Mr.  Meredith  has  composed  over  a  thousand  songs, 
consisting  principally  of  gospel  songs  and  festival  songs 
for  the  Sunday-school,  also  a  number  of  anthems  and 
cantatas.  He  is  associated  with  Mr.  Tullar  in  editing 
and  publishing  quite  a  number  of  popular  gospel  song 
books.  He  has  held  important  church  positions  in  New 
York  as  soloist  and  choir  director. 

Mr.  Meredith  has  toured  England  with  Torrey  and 
Alexander  in  evangelistic  meetings.  He  has  directed 
the  music  in  conventions  throughout  the  country.  The 
training  and  experience  which  he  has  had  assures  suc- 
cess in  his  chosen  work. 


I.  H.  MEREDITH  407 

^'  Thine  to  work  as  well  as  pray, 
Clearing  thorny  wrongs  away  ; 
Plucking  up  the  weeds  of  sin, 
Letting  heaven's  warm  sunshine  in." 


I.   ALLAN   SANKEY. 


LXXIY 
I.  Allan  Sankey 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch,  I.  Allan  Sankey,  was 
born  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  August  30, 
1874,  son  of  Ira  P.  and  Fanny  Y.  Sankey. 
Allan's  father  was  the  greatest  singing  evangelist  of 
his  day.  His  pure  life  and  sweet  inspiring  gospel  songs 
should  be  an  incentive  for  every  young  person  to  culti- 
vate their  musical  powers  for  doing  good  in  the  world. 
The  musical  mantle  of  the  great  singer  and  musician 
seems  to  have  fallen  on  his  son  Allan,  and  he  has  al- 
ready achieved  much  success  in  the  music  business. 
His  early  education  was  received  in  the  public  schools. 
Later  he  entered  Princeton  University,  and  graduated 
from  that  institution  in  1897.  His  special  studies  were 
civil  engineering  and  architecture.  He  also  took  a 
pretty  thorough  course  in  music. 

In  1898  Mr.  Sankey  had  the  honor  bestowed  upon 
him  to  become  the  president  of  the  famous  publishing 
house— The  Biglow  &  Main  Co.,  New  York  City. 

In  1899  Mr.  Sankey  was  married  to  Miss  Frances 
Wann,  of  New  York  City.  They  reside  in  Brooklyn, 
K  Y. 

Among  his  popular  books  we  mention  the  following : 
"  The  Male  Quartette,"  in  connection  with  Mr.  Geo.  C. 
Stebbins  ;  "  Best  Endeavor  Hymns,"  joint  editor  with 
Mr.  John  R.  Clements,  and  sole  editor  and  compiler  of 
'-  Hallowed  Hymns,  'New  and  Old."     Of  this  last  named 

409 


410    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

book  nearly  two  hundred  thousand  copies  were  sold 
during  the  first  fourteen  months. 

He  has  composed  some  very  popular  sacred  songs. 
Perhaps  the  best  known  are  :  '"  Never  Give  Up,  "  Kept 
for  Jesus,"  etc. 

Besides  Mr.  Sankey's  musical  ability  as  editor  and 
composer,  he  also  has  much  business  ability.  Apart 
from  the  publishing  house,  he  is  vice-president  of  the 
Leeds  and  Catlin  Phonograph  Company,  and  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Advisory  Board  of  the  Greenich  Bank. 

Mr.  Sankey  is  yet  a  young  man  and  much  more  may 
be  expected  of  him.  May  the  Lord  bless  his  efforts  in 
helping  to  advance  the  cause  of  sacred  song  in  the 
world. 


IRA  B.   WILSON. 


LXXY 
Ira  B.  Wilson 

IT  is  not  given  to  many  composers  to  make  an  im- 
pression on  the  general  public  so  early  and  quickly 
as  has  Mr.  Ira  B.  Wilson.  The  fertility  of  his 
musical  suggestiveness,  the  clearness  of  his  musical 
impressions  and  the  sureness  of  his  musical  instinct 
have  brought  him  to  the  very  front  in  the  course  of 
a  few  years.  He  is  by  all  odds  the  most  promising 
young  anthem  and  gospel  song  writer  in  his  age  and 
generation. 

Ira  B.  Wilson  was  born  September  6,  1880,  in  Bed- 
ford, Taylor  County,  Iowa,  and  came  from  a  family 
which  was  known  for  miles  around  his  home  as  a  mu- 
sical family.  Almost  all  of  his  early  instruction  he 
received  from  an  elder  sister.  He  thus  grew  up  in  an 
atmosphere  in  which  music  played  an  important  role 
as  far  as  the  intellectual  life  of  the  family  was  con- 
cerned. He  learned  to  play  on  the  violin  and  organ 
and  had  begun  harmony  before  leaving  home. 

At  the  age  of  about  twenty-two  he  went  to  Chicago 
to  the  Moody  Bible  Institute  with  a  view  to  training 
himself  for  an  evangelistic  singer.  While  here  he  di- 
rected a  number  of  choirs  in  various  churches  in  Chi- 
cago. He  studied  harmony  under  Dr.  D.  B.  Towner. 
He  soon  began  works  of  composition  and  within  a  year 
his  songs  were  being  accepted  by  all  the  leading  gospel 
song  publishers  in  the  country. 

413 


4U    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

After  leaving  Chicago,  Mr.  Wilson  became  manager 
of  the  young  people's  work  in  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  at  Oshkosh,  Wisconsin.  He  continued  success- 
fully his  work  in  composition,  writing  his  first  anthems 
while  here.  He  also  organized  and  led  a  very  success- 
ful Sunday-school  orchestra,  which  inspired  him  to  a 
careful  study  of  orchestration  in  order  to  supply  the 
needed  music.  He  has  since  that  time  made  numerous 
orchestra  arrangements  and  has  been  one  of  the  ed- 
itors and  arrangers  of  a  very  successful  collection  of 
pieces  for  church  orchestras. 

Early  in  1904,  Mr.  Wilson  was  called  to  assist  in  the 
editorial  work  of  The  Lorenz  Publishing  Company  of 
Dayton,  Ohio,  which  position  he  still  occupies  and  is 
doing  efficient  service  not  only  in  composition,  but  in 
other  lines  of  editorial  work.  His  range  of  composi- 
tion is  very  wide. 

While  writing  a  great  amount  of  music  for  Sunday- 
schools,  he  is  a  regular  contributor  to  the  two  monthly 
journals  published  by  The  Lorenz  Publishing  Company, 
The  Choir  Leader  and  The  Choir  Herald.  He  has  pre- 
pared several  successful  choir  cantatas,  secular  cantatas 
for  Sunday-school,  and  has  also  wi^itten  considerable 
organ  music  and  quite  a  number  of  sacred  solos.  His 
chosen  field — the  one  in  which  he  feels  most  at  home — 
is  supplying  music  for  the  church  and  Sunday-school, 
but  he  has  written  some  very  successful  secular  cho- 
ruses and  solos. 

One  remarkable  feature  of  Mr.  Wilson's  musical 
talent  is  its  adaptability.  He  is  quite  as  much  at  home 
in  the  writing  of  a  primary  song  as  in  the  composition 
of  a  full  anthem.  While  his  lighter  music  is  very 
bright  and  gay  at  times,  his  more  serious  music  is  often 


IRA  B.  AVILSON  415 

full  of  tenderness  and  sentiment.  With  the  growth 
that  the  coming  years  will  undoubtedly  bring  him, 
there  is  no  reason  why  he  should  not  secure  a  very 
prominent  place  in  the  history  of  American  church 
music. 


ROBERT  HARKNESS. 


LXXYI 
Robert  Harkness 

IlSr  June,  1902,  Dr.  R  A.Torreyand  Mr.  Charles  M. 
Alexander  held  a  meeting  in  Bendigo,  Australia. 
Here  Mr.  Alexander  first  met  Mr.  Eobert  Hark- 
ness, a  brilliant  young  musical  genius,  who  is  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch. 

Mr.  Alexander  at  once  recognized  his  superior  mu- 
sical gifts  and  engaged  him  as  his  pianist,  a  position  he 
still  holds.  He  also  led  him  to  Christ.  Mr.  Harkness 
made  the  decision  to  accept  Christ  as  he  rode  along  on 
his  bicycle  after  a  long  talk  with  Mr.  Alexander  at  a 
hotel  in  Bendigo. 

Mr.  Eobert  Harkness  was  born  in  Bendigo,  Austra- 
lia, March  2,  1877.  He  was  reared  in  a  Christian  home, 
his  father  being  a  godly  man,  a  local  preacher  and  one 
of  the  most  honored  and  respected  men  in  Bendigo ; 
his  mother,  one  of  those  saintly  women,  commands  the 
highest  respect  of  all  who  know  her. 

Mr.  Harkness  is  an  accomplished  musician,  with  sev- 
eral years  of  training  and  experience  as  a  church  or- 
ganist and  choir  director.  He  wanted  to  compose  mu- 
sic at  an  early  age.  His  first  published  song  appeared 
in  1896.  He  has  since  achieved  international  fame  as  a 
composer  of  gospel  songs  as  well  as  a  pianist.  He  has 
written  some  of  the  most  popular  hymns  used  by  Mr. 
Alexander. 

Among  the  best  known  are  :  "  Is  He  Yours  ?  "  "  No 
417 


418    GOSPEL  SONG  AND  HYMN  WRITERS 

Burdens  Yonder,"  "  He  Will  Hold  Me  Fast,"  "  Christ 
Needs  You,"  ''  Bearing  the  Cross,"  "  Shadows,"  "  Oh, 
What  a  Change,"  "  Does  Jesus  Care  ?  "  "  The  Crown  of 
Thorns,"  "  The  Joy  Awaiting,"  etc. 

"  How  do  you  write  your  hymns,  Mr.  Harkness  ?  " 
asked  an  interviewer. 

"  How"  do  I  write  them  ?  "  returned  the  composer. 
"  Why,  I  write  them  w^hen  I've  got  them,  and  when  I 
haven't  got  them  I  don't  write.  You  can't  write  wdiat 
you  haven't  got,  you  know.  Of  course,  my  w^ork 
varies.  Perhaps  I  will  write  the  music  to  thirty  hymns 
in  one  day,  then  again  I  may  not  write  but  one  a 
month.  It  depends  upon  the  inspiration.  I  get  my 
inspiration  from  incidents.  AVhen  at  the  piano  at  an 
evangelistic  service  I  keep  a  note-book  and  pencil 
handy,  and  as  the  service  proceeds  some  suggestion  for 
a  hymn  may  come  to  me,  possibly  several  suggestions. 
These  I  jot  down  for  reference  later.  Perhaps  in  these 
there  is  the  suggestion  for  the  melody  to  a  hymn.  I 
get  a  melody  in  my  mind  and  then  I  sit  down  to  the 
piano  and  play  it ;  if  it  pleases  me  I  wa^ite  it  down  and 
examine  it  afterwards." 

Mr.  Harkness  in  company  with  Mr.  Alexander  has 
belted  the  globe.  AVhile  in  the  United  States,  as  well 
as  in  Europe,  he  visited  many  cities,  serving  as  accom- 
panist in  the  great  Torrey- Alexander  and  Chapman- 
Alexander  meetings — and  every  whei'e  was  royally  re- 
ceived. 

Mr.  Harkness  commented  in  an  interesting  way  on 
the  method  of  making  the  song  service  in  these  great 
meetings  successful.  The  weather  has  much  to  do  with 
his  adjusting  the  music  to  the  assembled  company.  If 
it  is  a  stormy  night  the  voices  of  the  people  as  a  rule 


ROBERT  HARKNESS  419 

have  not  got  the  range  that  they  have  on  a  crisp  cold 
night.  In  the  first  instance  they  will  not  sing  as  high 
as  on  a  cold  night.  In  the  morning  the  voice  is  lower 
in  range.  He  explained  that  if  he  played  in  the  same 
key  morning  and  evening,  the  singing  would  not  be 
the  success  that  it  should  be.  In  tlie  morning  the  au- 
dience will  sing  up  to  D,  while  in  the  evening  it  will 
sing  up  to  F. 

"  If  church  organists  would  watch  this  to  keep  the 
music  of  the  hymns  within  the  range  of  the  voices  of 
the  people  of  the  audience  they  would  have  better 
singing,  and  therefore  a  better  tone  to  the  service.  In 
a  small  hall,  or  one  where  the  ceiling  is  low,  it  is  also 
necessary  to  keep  the  voices  down  as  regards  the  range, 
otherwise  what  would  sound  well  in  a  large  hall  would 
sound  like  screeching." 

Mr.  Harkness  at  present  is  living  in  London,  England, 
where  he  is  composing  gospel  songs  for  Mr.  Alexander. 

It  is  not  the  belief  of  the  writer  that  this  musical 
genius  was  found  in  that  far-away  country  by  mere 
chance  by  Mr.  Alexander.  Undoubtedly  the  Lord  was 
leader  and  guide. 

''  In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  Him,  and 
He  shall  direct  thy  paths." 

— Proverbs  Hi.  6. 

"For  this  God  is  our  God  forever  and  ever  : 
He  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death." 

— Fsahn  xlviii.  llf. 

May  Mr.  Harkness  live  long  and  continue  to  use  his 
heaven-born  gifts  in  the  ministry  of  gospel  song  to 
bless  the  world  and  to  God's  glory. 

Printed  in  the  United  States  of  America 


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